Court Fields School, located in Wellington, Somerset, has recently undergone an inspection on March 22 and 23, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming environment, with leaders dedicated to fostering a culture where all pupils can achieve, belong, and participate. Pupils express pride in their school and report feeling safe and supported, with parents largely agreeing that their children are thriving.
The leadership team at Court Fields is ambitious and has established high expectations for both staff and students. This has resulted in a culture of hard work, where most pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning. Relationships between pupils and staff are strong, contributing to a respectful and polite atmosphere throughout the school. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, pupils are confident that staff will address them promptly.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including public speaking, sports, drama, and music, which encourage pupils to engage beyond the classroom. Many students participate in at least one club, enhancing their personal development. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, such as prefects and sports leaders, which help them build confidence and contribute to school life. For instance, pupils have taken the initiative to organize events like sports days for local primary schools.
Academically, the school provides a broad and ambitious curriculum. Leaders have made efforts to increase the number of pupils opting to study modern foreign languages at key stage four, resulting in a higher uptake among Year 9 students. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support to succeed in their studies. Subject leaders have carefully planned the curriculum to ensure that pupils build knowledge progressively over time, particularly in key stage three. However, the curriculum at key stage four requires further development to enhance its detail and effectiveness.
While most teachers effectively assess pupils' understanding, there are instances where assessment practices are not sufficiently precise, leading to misconceptions that hinder learning. The school has implemented measures to support early readers, ensuring they receive the help needed to improve their reading skills. Leaders also prioritize fostering a love for reading among pupils.
Behaviour expectations have been raised since the last inspection, and staff consistently apply the behaviour policy. However, a small number of pupils do not consistently demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning and may disengage from challenging tasks. Leaders are encouraged to work collaboratively with staff to support all pupils in developing resilience and a positive approach to their education.
The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, creating a culture of vigilance. Staff are well-trained to identify and respond to concerns regarding pupil safety. Pupils report feeling safe and know they can turn to trusted adults for support. The curriculum includes education on various topics, including online safety, which has proven effective in addressing local issues.
Overall, Court Fields School has made significant strides in improving its educational offerings and creating a supportive environment for its pupils. Continued focus on refining assessment practices and fostering positive attitudes towards learning will further enhance the school's effectiveness.
