SET Ixworth School, located in Suffolk, has shown significant improvement since its last inspection in June 2017, moving from a status of Requires Improvement to an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The inspection conducted on September 17-18, 2019, highlighted the school's strong community atmosphere, where pupils and teachers have a close-knit relationship, fostering an environment of support and care. Bullying is infrequent and addressed promptly, contributing to a sense of safety among students. The longer school day is viewed positively by pupils, who appreciate the variety of opportunities available to them, including extracurricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and learning British sign language.
The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil achieves their potential, aiming to provide a solid foundation for life. This commitment is reflected in the academic success of pupils, who not only excel in their studies but also develop confidence and social skills. Attendance is high, and pupils arrive on time, demonstrating their enjoyment of school. The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils displaying good behavior and engagement in lessons.
Teaching quality is strong, with most teachers being subject experts. The school has implemented effective training and support for teachers, which has led to rapid learning among pupils. Lessons are well-planned, ensuring that pupils build on their knowledge progressively. Teachers employ strategies to enhance memory retention, such as starting lessons with tasks that require recalling previous learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like personal, social, health, and economic education, where a clearer understanding of pupils' knowledge is needed.
The school has made strides in curriculum development, with subject leaders regularly evaluating and updating what is taught to keep it relevant and engaging. For instance, geography lessons have recently included topics on environmental issues like plastics in oceans. The school is also noted for its inclusivity, with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receiving appropriate support and achieving positive outcomes.
Pupils are well-prepared for life beyond school, with opportunities to develop social skills during lunch with teachers and through structured personal development activities. While the school has a solid framework for careers education, there is a need for more personalized guidance for individual pupils to enhance their career readiness.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and act on concerns promptly. The school maintains strong communication with external agencies to ensure that pupils receive necessary support. Overall, while SET Ixworth School has made commendable progress, it is encouraged to continue refining its curriculum leadership and assessment practices to ensure consistency across all subjects, particularly in computing and PSHE. The school is on a positive trajectory, with a clear commitment to fostering an enriching educational experience for all its pupils.
