Chesterton Community Sports College, located in Newcastle, Staffordshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on September 21 and 22, 2022. The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere where pupils exhibit positive behavior both in lessons and during social interactions. Relationships between staff and students are strong, fostering a sense of safety and happiness among pupils. The school effectively addresses bullying, ensuring that incidents are rare and managed appropriately when they occur.
The quality of education at Chesterton is commendable, with teachers setting high expectations that encourage pupils to engage actively in their learning. The provision of electronic tablets to every student enhances their ability to retain knowledge and develop independence in their studies. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. It features a strong academic core, allowing most students to complete the English baccalaureate by the end of key stage four. Pupils have the opportunity to select from a diverse range of GCSEs and vocational qualifications, preparing them well for future endeavors.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, dance, drama, and gardening clubs, which many pupils participate in. Additionally, after-school GCSE booster classes are available for students in Years 9 to 11. Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing confidence in the school's leadership and the care provided to their children. Parents appreciate the range of subjects offered and feel well-informed about their children's education.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The strategies outlined in the pupil passports for supporting students with special educational needs sometimes lack precision, leading to inconsistent application by teachers. This inconsistency can affect the quality of learning for some pupils with SEND. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that these strategies are more precise and consistently utilized across all lessons.
Furthermore, the school’s pupil premium plan includes several valid support strategies, but leaders do not routinely evaluate their impact on student learning. This lack of evaluation makes it difficult to ascertain the effectiveness of these strategies and the extent to which pupils benefit from them. Leaders should implement a more systematic approach to assess the impact of their pupil premium strategies to enhance their effectiveness.
The school prioritizes personal development, offering a well-planned personal, social, citizenship, and health education program. Pupils learn about healthy relationships, safety, and respect for others. Many students engage in community projects, contributing positively to their local environment. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding supported by regular training for staff. Pupils are educated on various safety topics, including online safety and bullying, and they feel confident in seeking help from trusted adults.
Overall, Chesterton Community Sports College demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding the support for pupils with SEND and the evaluation of pupil premium strategies, the school is well-regarded by parents and staff alike. The leadership team is encouraged to build on the existing strengths to further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
