Shaftesbury School, located in Dorset, received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on March 7 and 8, 2023, and the school has maintained this grade since its previous inspection in May 2017. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Shaftesbury School are encouraged to strive for their best, fostering positive relationships with teachers who know them well. The staff promote deep thinking and ensure that pupils retain important knowledge, leading to many achieving well academically. The school emphasizes the importance of reading, encouraging pupils to engage with a wide range of literature.
The school offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts, which help develop pupils' talents and interests. Regular trips, visits, and community engagement projects enrich the school experience. Sixth-form student leaders play an active role in school improvement, ensuring younger pupils have a voice.
Pupils feel safe and happy at the school, with staff prioritizing their well-being. They are educated on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, although some pupils lack a secure understanding of healthy relationships. The school provides strong pastoral care, particularly for those facing challenges, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The curriculum is well-designed, offering a broad range of subjects with a strong academic core alongside vocational courses. Pupils are typically taught by subject experts, and the clarity of instruction helps them learn effectively. In the sixth form, students build on prior knowledge to deepen their understanding of subjects.
Assessment practices are utilized effectively, although there are instances where teachers do not consistently correct mistakes, leading to gaps in knowledge for some pupils. The school has made reading a priority, with structured support for those who struggle, ensuring they do not miss out on learning in other subjects.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school. Clear procedures are in place for managing behavior, which pupils understand well. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore interests beyond the classroom. Sixth-form students enjoy leadership opportunities and collaborate with church leaders to support spiritual development.
While pupils learn about safety and well-being, some areas of the personal, social, health education curriculum are not delivered consistently, particularly regarding healthy relationships. The school has a robust careers program that prepares pupils for future steps, with sixth-form students receiving comprehensive support for university applications and career options.
Pupils with special educational needs receive effective pastoral support, but there are occasions when teachers lack accurate information to adapt the curriculum for these pupils, resulting in some falling behind. Leaders are aware of the need for improvement and have initiated changes to enhance pastoral care and support for pupils with special educational needs.
The safeguarding arrangements at Shaftesbury School are effective, with a strong emphasis on pupil safety and well-being. Teachers feel confident in reporting concerns, and leaders maintain detailed records and collaborate with external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for pupils. The school has implemented safer recruitment practices and fosters a culture of vigilance.
Overall, Shaftesbury School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment, with clear areas identified for further improvement, particularly in the consistent delivery of the curriculum and support for pupils with special educational needs.
