Norlington School and 6th Form, located in Leyton, London, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 29 and 30, 2023. The principal, Juan Hernandez, leads the school, which is part of The Exceptional Education Trust. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Stephen Pierpoint. The school has established a positive environment where pupils feel welcomed and respected, contributing to their enjoyment of school life. The professional relationships between staff and students foster a caring atmosphere conducive to learning.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, resulting in impressive academic achievements. Students completing their time in the sixth form are well-prepared for future educational pursuits, employment, or training. Pupils demonstrate good behavior and a strong work ethic in lessons, learning to respect and treat others equally, regardless of differences. The school community is described as a ‘Norlington family’ by staff, pupils, and parents, indicating a strong sense of belonging.
Safety is a priority at Norlington School, with pupils receiving education on maintaining their physical and mental health. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they occur, staff address them promptly. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including educational visits and residential journeys for Year 7 students, which help build friendships and independence. Work experience opportunities are well-planned for Year 10 and Year 12 students.
The curriculum at Norlington School is broad and thoughtfully designed, allowing pupils to study a variety of subjects until the end of Year 9. There has been a notable increase in the uptake of subjects like modern foreign languages, history, and geography at the GCSE level. In the sixth form, students can select from various courses tailored to their interests and future ambitions. The school actively promotes a love of reading, providing additional support for pupils who struggle with literacy, ensuring they can catch up and read more fluently.
Assessment cycles are in place to monitor pupil progress across subjects, and teachers generally use this information to support student improvement. However, there are instances where misconceptions are not adequately addressed, indicating a need for more consistent checks on pupil understanding. The school has effective systems to identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, but there are occasional inconsistencies in how teaching is adjusted to meet their needs.
Pupils benefit from the expertise of subject specialists, and the consistent approach to lesson structure aids in reinforcing previous learning. The school prepares pupils well for their next steps, offering career guidance and opportunities to engage with universities and specialist organizations. Pupils are motivated by initiatives that reward high attendance and good behavior.
Norlington School provides numerous opportunities for personal and social development, with a variety of clubs and a well-planned PSHE curriculum. The school emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships and positive friendships, encouraging pupils to embody kindness, patience, and respect. The leadership team and trustees work collaboratively to drive continuous improvement, ensuring staff are supported in their roles and fostering a proud school community.
The safeguarding arrangements at Norlington School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that teaching consistently checks pupil understanding and effectively meets the needs of those with special educational needs. Overall, Norlington School and 6th Form continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong foundation for future growth and development.
