The Ferrers School, located in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as inadequate. The recent inspection in July 2021 has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across various aspects of the school. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision have all been rated as good, indicating a positive trajectory for the school.
Pupils express satisfaction with their experience at The Ferrers School, feeling safe and well cared for, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a supportive learning environment. The school has made strides in enhancing the quality of education, with pupils achieving better outcomes than in the past. High expectations are set in most subjects, and pupils are aware of the knowledge and skills they need to acquire. However, there are a few subjects, such as digital information technology and business studies, where the curriculum planning and delivery need improvement to help pupils reach their full potential.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a calm and orderly atmosphere observed during lessons and social times. While most pupils conduct themselves well, there is a need for some to improve their punctuality. The school environment is well-maintained, and pupils report minimal experiences of bullying, with confidence that any issues will be addressed promptly.
Leadership at The Ferrers School is characterized by a clear vision that unites staff and fosters a positive school culture. The academy council plays an active role in supporting the school's vision, and leaders are attentive to staff workload. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, leaders have remained focused on improving the school and ensuring high-quality professional development for staff, which is highly valued by them. Parental feedback has been largely positive, with many recommending the school.
The curriculum is ambitious, offering a broad range of subjects, particularly at key stage four. The proportion of pupils studying modern foreign languages has increased significantly. Curriculum leaders have carefully considered what is taught and when, leading to strengthened pupil achievement in subjects like English, mathematics, and expressive arts. However, there are still areas where the curriculum lacks ambition, and teachers' expectations in some subjects need to be consistently high.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, helping pupils retain knowledge. However, there are instances where pupils receive excessive information at once, hindering their ability to remember new concepts. The personal development curriculum is robust, with a wide array of extracurricular opportunities available to pupils. The school's PLEDGE program promotes contributions to a positive society, emphasizing equality and diversity.
Leaders ensure that pupils receive impartial careers advice, effectively supporting sixth-form students in their future endeavors. The oversight of pupils with special educational needs and those who are disadvantaged has improved significantly, with dedicated support spaces and collaboration with external agencies.
The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, creating a culture of vigilance. Staff are well-trained in reporting concerns, and leaders act swiftly to protect vulnerable pupils. The school’s record-keeping is thorough, ensuring that the needs of all pupils are met.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is delivered effectively across all subjects. Leaders are encouraged to maintain high expectations and ensure that pupils' understanding is secure before advancing in their learning. Overall, The Ferrers School is on a positive path, with a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
