The Hendreds Church of England School, located in East Hendred, Oxfordshire, was inspected on 21 and 22 November 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding. The school is led by headteacher Lisa Rees and is part of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, overseen by CEO Anne Dellar and a board of trustees chaired by Kathryn Winrow MBE.
This inspection marked the first graded evaluation since the school was last inspected seven years ago, when it was rated outstanding. The gap between inspections was longer than usual due to the school being exempt from routine inspections until November 2020. An ungraded inspection occurred in September 2022, and the current report reflects the latest inspection framework and any changes since the last graded inspection.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, encapsulated in what is referred to as the Hendreds spirit, which emphasizes respect, courage, and kindness. Pupils take pride in embodying these values and are supportive of one another, particularly during playtime when older students act as watchdogs to ensure inclusivity. The school promotes participation in extracurricular activities, including residential trips and clubs like judo, contributing to a positive and calm atmosphere where pupils feel safe and confident.
Leaders have made significant strides in refining the curriculum since the last inspection, ensuring it meets the needs of mixed-age classes. The curriculum is well-structured, beginning in early years and linking to key stage one learning. However, there is ongoing work to ensure that all pupils achieve a deep understanding of the intended content by the time they leave Year 6. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge, but there are instances where they do not consistently check for understanding among pupils, which can hinder learning.
The school places a strong emphasis on knowing each pupil as an individual, fostering a culture of inclusion. Support is readily available for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with robust systems in place for identifying those who require additional help. Reading is prioritized, with effective phonics instruction provided by trained staff, and catch-up sessions are available for those who need them.
Personal development is integrated throughout the curriculum, teaching pupils about tolerance, uniqueness, and healthy living. The school’s ethos encourages mutual respect, and pupils are motivated to meet high behavioural expectations. Consistent routines established in early years help cultivate a purposeful learning environment, extending to social interactions during playtime.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum across all subjects to ensure coherence and depth of knowledge. Additionally, staff need to enhance their assessment practices to better support pupil understanding and task completion.
Overall, The Hendreds Church of England School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while nurturing personal development and inclusivity among its pupils. The school community is characterized by strong relationships, mutual respect, and a shared vision for growth and learning.
