Oldbury Wells School, located in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, has been assessed as a good school following its inspection on 25 and 26 April 2023. The school has established a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and are motivated to succeed. Leaders maintain high expectations, and pupils respond well, demonstrating strong relationships with staff. The school fosters a culture of safety and care, where pupils feel secure and are well-mannered, polite, and courteous. The implementation of new behavior systems has been effective, and any instances of bullying are reported and addressed promptly.
The school provides relevant careers education for pupils and sixth-form students, including university visits, guest speakers from local colleges, and information about apprenticeships. This preparation ensures that students are ready for their next educational or vocational steps. Additionally, the school offers a well-structured wider development program that includes various extracurricular activities, such as football and sign language clubs, which are well-attended by pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there is recognition that further efforts are needed to ensure that disadvantaged pupils are fully included in all aspects of school life.
The curriculum at Oldbury Wells School is ambitious and tailored to meet the needs of pupils effectively. Engagement in lessons is high, and teachers regularly assess understanding to adapt their teaching accordingly. While this approach is beneficial, it is noted that consistency across the curriculum needs improvement. Staff are knowledgeable in their subjects and have received training to support pupils with special educational needs. The school has prioritized reading support for those who struggle, with additional classes available, leading to improved confidence and fluency in reading. However, there is a need to cultivate a broader love of reading across all year groups.
The school environment is calm and purposeful, with pupils displaying good behavior during lessons and social times. When behavior does not meet expectations, staff employ appropriate strategies to guide improvement. Leaders are aware of the importance of evaluating behavior trends to enhance their approach further. The wider development curriculum covers essential topics such as healthy relationships and mental health, although there are times when issues may not be fully addressed, leaving some pupils feeling unsupported.
Regular careers advice and guidance are provided, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future choices. The school has created numerous opportunities for staff development, including leadership training and subject enhancement courses. Leaders are also introducing guided pathways for Year 9 pupils to encourage a broader selection of subjects that align with the English Baccalaureate.
The safeguarding arrangements at Oldbury Wells School are effective, with a culture of vigilance established throughout the school. Pupils are informed about how to protect themselves and know whom to approach with concerns. Staff undergo appropriate recruitment checks and receive ongoing training to stay updated on safeguarding policies. The safeguarding team responds swiftly to any reported concerns.
Despite the positive aspects, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to enhance their evaluations of the impact of their actions, particularly concerning vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils. Opportunities for pupils to read widely for pleasure are limited, which affects their confidence and enjoyment of reading. Additionally, assessment practices vary across subjects, leading to potential confusion for pupils regarding how to improve. Addressing these areas will further strengthen the school's commitment to providing an excellent education for all its pupils.
