The Cooper School, located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, underwent an inspection on November 29 and 30, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and sixth-form provision.
The school fosters strong relationships between staff and pupils, encouraging a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. The motto of the school promotes ambition and kindness, and students engage in various clubs and leadership opportunities that empower them to voice their opinions and contribute to school life. The sixth-form students exhibit maturity and confidence, benefiting from a diverse range of courses.
Despite the positive aspects, the curriculum has been identified as not ambitious enough in certain areas. Leaders have acknowledged this and have begun implementing changes, such as reinstating a three-year key stage three program aligned with the national curriculum. However, further work is needed to ensure that the curriculum is well-structured and that teachers effectively support pupils in building their knowledge. There are concerns regarding the consistency of teaching practices, which can hinder some students' ability to connect their learning and achieve their potential.
In recent years, there has been a notable improvement in student behavior, with leaders addressing previous issues effectively. While some concerns about bullying persist among students and parents, the school has taken steps to mitigate these issues. Attendance rates are generally good, although some students, including a few sixth-formers, do not attend as regularly as expected. The school has implemented strategies to promote good attendance and is committed to removing barriers that prevent students from attending.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of risk and report concerns promptly. The school collaborates with external agencies to ensure that students receive the necessary support to remain safe. Pupils feel confident in approaching trusted adults within the school for help.
To improve, the school must focus on enhancing the quality of the curriculum across all subjects, ensuring that it is designed to build students' learning over time. Additionally, support for students with special educational needs and disabilities needs to be more consistent and effective. Leaders are aware that the current strategies for supporting weaker readers are insufficient, limiting their access to the curriculum. Addressing these areas will be crucial for the school to realize its vision of providing a high-quality education for all students.
The governance of the school has seen improvements, with governors taking a more active role in holding the school accountable for its strategic decisions. Current leaders have established clear priorities for improvement, and with the support of trustees, the leadership capacity has increased, allowing for positive changes across various aspects of the school. However, some staff have expressed a desire for additional support and training to navigate recent changes effectively.
Overall, The Cooper School has a solid foundation with positive relationships and a commitment to personal development. With focused efforts on curriculum enhancement and support for diverse learning needs, the school can work towards achieving a higher standard of education for its pupils.
