Edmonton County School, located in Edmonton, London, has received a Good rating in its recent inspection conducted on April 23 and 24, 2024. The school is part of the EdAct Trust, with Paul Miller serving as the head of school and Susan Tranter as the chief executive officer and executive headteacher. The school caters to a diverse student body, with a significant proportion of pupils speaking English as an additional language. The school operates across two campuses, accommodating students from early years through to sixth form.
The quality of education at Edmonton County School is commendable, with a curriculum designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. High academic expectations are coupled with strong support for pupils' well-being, creating an environment where students feel safe and valued. Pupils settle quickly into lessons and adhere to the school's conduct expectations, particularly in the primary phase. The secondary phase offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including popular sports clubs and competitive teams that have achieved borough championships. The sixth-form leadership team actively engages in organizing events, including charity fundraising, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among students.
The school has implemented a well-structured careers program that effectively prepares pupils for future opportunities. Students in Year 8 and above are encouraged to visit universities, broadening their aspirations and understanding of potential career paths. The curriculum is aligned with national standards, ensuring that all pupils build a solid foundation in core subjects such as English and mathematics. This strong foundation supports their overall academic achievement across various subjects.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Leaders have carefully considered the curriculum's design, but there is still work to be done in clarifying specific learning objectives in certain foundation subjects. The professional development program for staff is robust, and many teachers, especially those early in their careers, find it beneficial. Support for pupils with special educational needs is well-planned, and leaders collaborate effectively with external agencies to meet these pupils' needs.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, and in subjects like physical education, specialist teaching enhances pupils' skills. However, there are instances where teaching does not consistently check pupils' understanding of prior knowledge before introducing new content. This can lead to gaps in learning, particularly in subjects with less allocated curriculum time. The school is aware of this and is working to ensure that teaching practices include regular checks on pupils' recall of previously taught material.
Pupils' behavior is generally calm and respectful, allowing teachers to focus on delivering the curriculum effectively. The school has made significant strides in improving attendance rates, which are now above average. Pupils participate in various extracurricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which has recently been introduced. The school emphasizes the importance of healthy eating and personal finance education from an early age.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. However, there are occasional lapses in record-keeping that do not fully capture the extent of the school's safeguarding efforts. The school is encouraged to enhance its processes for monitoring the quality of its work, particularly in safeguarding, to ensure continuous improvement. Overall, Edmonton County School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic success and personal development.
