Twickenham School, located in Middlesex, underwent an inspection on July 6 and 7, 2021, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as Good.
Pupils at Twickenham School report feeling happy and welcomed, thanks in part to initiatives like the buddy system that helps new students integrate. Respect and acceptance are core values among students and staff, fostering a positive learning environment. Teachers encourage hard work and diligence, providing support during lessons and outside of class hours. However, there are areas where the curriculum lacks rigor, leading to some students not retaining as much knowledge as they could.
Safety is a priority at Twickenham School, with bullying being rare and effectively managed when it occurs. Pupils trust the safeguarding team and feel comfortable approaching staff with concerns. The school has demonstrated a commitment to the welfare of its students and their families, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that all pupils had access to necessary resources for online learning.
Since the last inspection, school leaders have focused on improving attendance, behavior, and aspirations among students, resulting in notable increases in attendance rates. Pupils are engaged in their lessons and follow instructions diligently. The curriculum aligns with national standards, and while improvements have been made in teaching practices, there is still work to be done in refining the curriculum's design and organization.
In subjects like mathematics, leaders have implemented a detailed curriculum that effectively builds students' knowledge incrementally. Teachers assess students' understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly. In contrast, other subjects, such as music, require further development to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the material.
The school has made strides in ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Staff receive training to support these students effectively. Additionally, the school offers a robust careers guidance program, with all Year 11 pupils progressing to post-16 education or training.
Twickenham School's personal development curriculum addresses important topics, preparing students for life in modern society. Leaders are considerate of staff workloads and strive to create a supportive working environment.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff being vigilant about changes in pupils' behavior and circumstances. The school collaborates with various agencies to support students' safety and mental health, and the curriculum includes lessons on risk awareness and online safety.
Despite the positive developments, there are areas for improvement. Some subjects lack a coherent and well-sequenced curriculum, which can hinder students' ability to connect knowledge across different areas. Assessment practices in certain subjects need to be refined to better gauge students' understanding of specific content. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are actively working to enhance the curriculum and assessment strategies to ensure that all pupils achieve a deep understanding of the subject matter. Overall, Twickenham School is on a positive trajectory, with leaders committed to continuous improvement and the well-being of their students.
