Maiden Erlegh School in Reading has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 20 and 21 September 2023. The headteacher, Will Graham, leads the school, which is part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Jonathan Peck and a board of trustees chaired by Nicholas Jones. The school promotes a culture of high aspirations, encouraging pupils to aim high, work collaboratively, and foster inclusivity. This vision is reflected in the positive relationships between staff and students, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
Pupils at Maiden Erlegh School are held to high expectations, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school emphasizes the MER dream, which encapsulates its commitment to fostering high aspirations among students. Feedback from pupils indicates that the support they receive instills hope for their future. The school environment is described as calm and orderly, with students demonstrating respect for one another and their teachers. The academic and pastoral support provided by staff is highly valued, and there is a strong focus on promoting positive mental health.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and develop their talents. Opportunities for leadership roles, such as house captains and student leadership team members, are available to older students. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with a focus on meeting the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. Staff are adept at identifying these needs and adapting the curriculum accordingly. Most subjects in key stage three have a comprehensive curriculum that builds knowledge and skills progressively.
However, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the curriculum refinements are not yet complete, which affects the depth of learning for some pupils. Teachers generally use assessment effectively to gauge pupils' understanding and inform future learning. Support for pupils who are falling behind is robust, with specialized teaching in small groups to help them catch up quickly.
The school prioritizes the personal development of its pupils through a well-structured program of lessons and activities. Personal, social, and health education is integrated into the curriculum, enhancing pupils' understanding of critical concepts. The school also emphasizes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding, with age-appropriate relationships and sex education. Pupils appreciate the variety of trips and visits that enrich their educational experience.
The trust's commitment to providing opportunities for all underpins the high aspirations set by school leaders. Trustees are actively involved in the school's growth and hold leaders accountable for their performance. Staff benefit from ongoing professional development, which enhances their teaching practices. The school also prioritizes staff well-being, with leaders managing workload effectively and providing individualized support.
Safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for further strengthening in some subjects within key stage three to enhance the depth of learning. The trust is encouraged to complete curriculum refinements and ensure that staff closely monitor pupils' learning to support their achievement. Overall, Maiden Erlegh School in Reading continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong foundation for future growth and improvement.
