The Bishop David Brown School, located in Woking, Surrey, is part of the Unity Schools Trust and is led by headteacher James Rodgers. The school has been recognized as a good institution, continuing to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment for its pupils. Students express pride in their school, appreciating the trusting relationships they develop with both staff and peers. The school provides nurturing spaces, such as the spirit room and garden, where students feel safe and cared for. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully integrated into school life, receiving tailored support to meet their individual needs.
The house system at the school promotes a positive competitive spirit, encouraging participation in various creative and academic competitions, as well as sports events. Students enjoy receiving rewards for their efforts, which include VIP passes and non-uniform days. The school community is diverse, with pupils from different backgrounds and ages supporting one another, ensuring that no one feels isolated. Staff celebrate this diversity through events like Japanese and International Days, and students benefit from a wide range of extracurricular clubs, including chess, debating, and various sports. The school also boasts leisure facilities that allow students to swim as part of their physical education curriculum, contributing to their overall happiness and enjoyment of learning.
The curriculum at the Bishop David Brown School is broad and well-structured, designed to help all students achieve their full potential. Staff work diligently to eliminate barriers to learning, providing high-quality additional support for literacy and numeracy when necessary. Pupils are prepared for future education and employment through a diverse range of subjects, with teachers ensuring that knowledge and skills are taught in a logical sequence. Strong links with feeder primary schools enable staff to build on prior learning effectively.
Most teachers possess a solid understanding of their subjects, employing strategies to help pupils recall important information. The school has implemented new methods for checking understanding, which are still being embedded across the curriculum. While there is variability in teaching quality across subjects, ongoing professional development opportunities are in place to enhance staff expertise. The school prioritizes reading through daily DEAR sessions, encouraging pupils to read aloud to develop their oracy skills. Those who struggle with reading receive prompt support, and staff focus on teaching subject-specific language to help pupils become proficient.
Pupils demonstrate polite and respectful behavior, contributing to a calm learning environment. Disruptions are rare, and when they occur, staff provide commendable support to help students self-regulate. Attendance is high, as students genuinely enjoy their time at school. The personal, social, and health education program is thoughtfully designed, covering essential topics such as healthy relationships and online safety. Careers education effectively raises awareness of various pathways for future aspirations, preparing pupils for adulthood.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. However, there are areas for improvement. Some subject areas have recently developed curricula, and teacher expertise in these subjects varies, which can affect the depth of learning. The school is encouraged to continue enhancing teaching across the curriculum. Additionally, while new strategies for checking pupil understanding have been introduced, some staff and students are still becoming familiar with these methods. Continued focus on embedding these processes will help ensure that gaps in knowledge are identified and addressed effectively. Overall, the Bishop David Brown School is committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for all its pupils.
