The Kingsway School, located in Cheadle, Cheshire, underwent an inspection on May 23 and 24, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. This marks a significant decline from its previous inspection grade of Good. The inspection highlighted several areas needing attention, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which were rated as requiring improvement.
The school has recently made efforts to enhance expectations regarding pupil behavior, which has positively impacted some students' learning experiences. Many pupils reported feeling happy and safe at school, with access to trusted adults for support. However, issues persist, as some students experience unkind treatment and discriminatory language from peers. While leaders take appropriate action when bullying is reported, there is a perception among some pupils that their concerns may not be taken seriously by staff.
Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum aimed at ensuring pupils achieve well. However, the support for certain groups, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who have fallen behind in reading, has not been adequately addressed. This has resulted in uneven learning experiences across the curriculum. Although pupils appreciate the variety of extracurricular activities available, there is a noted lack of sufficient education on tolerance and respect for others.
The inspection revealed that subject leaders have made thoughtful decisions regarding the essential knowledge pupils should acquire. Most teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and design effective learning activities. However, there is a gap in the ability of some teachers to adapt their teaching for pupils with SEND, which affects the learning outcomes for these students. Leaders have prioritized reading across the curriculum, but they lack effective systems to identify and address gaps in reading knowledge for those who struggle.
While most pupils are focused and eager to learn, a minority exhibit disruptive behavior, which leaders are beginning to address. The school provides a suitable careers program, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for activities like mock interviews that prepare them for future education or training.
Trustees acknowledge the need for improvement and have started to challenge school leaders more effectively. They have gained a better understanding of the school's improvement priorities, but there are still concerns regarding the oversight of the impact of actions taken. This has led to some initiatives not achieving the intended positive outcomes within the expected timeframes.
Safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, with leaders strengthening systems and ensuring staff are well-trained to identify at-risk pupils. However, some safeguarding records lack thoroughness, particularly concerning checks on pupils not present in school. This could hinder the swift identification of patterns of concern.
In summary, The Kingsway School is at a critical juncture, facing challenges in behavior management, support for SEND pupils, and ensuring a consistent quality of education. While there are positive aspects, such as a supportive environment and a commitment to improvement, significant work remains to be done to elevate the school's performance and ensure all pupils receive the education and support they need to thrive.
