The Royal Liberty School, located in Romford, Essex, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on February 7 and 8, 2024. The outcome of this inspection confirms that the school maintains its overall judgment of good. However, the evidence gathered during the inspection indicates that the school may achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were conducted at this time. The next inspection is expected to be a graded one. The headteacher, Lee Raftery, leads the school, which is part of the Success For All Educational Trust, overseen by CEO Paul Ward and a board of trustees chaired by Neil Yeomans.
Students at The Royal Liberty School express pride in their school and appreciate the dedication of the staff. They benefit from numerous opportunities to explore their talents and interests through a wide range of extracurricular clubs and intercollege competitions. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with staff knowing their pupils well, contributing to a safe and happy environment. Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating politeness, respect, and maturity, while valuing diversity and equality. High attendance rates reflect the students' understanding of the importance of education.
Leadership at all levels is committed to realizing a vision of success for all pupils. The school has high expectations, which are reflected in a broad and ambitious curriculum. Most pupils pursue the English Baccalaureate suite of qualifications, providing them with diverse future options, including the opportunity to take triple science at GCSE. Parents and carers overwhelmingly support the school, noting their children's enjoyment of the educational experience.
The school has made significant improvements to its curriculum in recent years, focusing on essential knowledge and effective learning strategies. For instance, in computing, pupils progress from basic coding skills to more complex concepts, while in history, they engage with significant vocabulary and themes. The school's Eight Teaching Consistencies ensure high-quality instruction, with passionate teachers who possess strong subject knowledge. They effectively address misconceptions in pupils' understanding, enhancing their subject-specific knowledge and skills over time.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities achieve well, thanks to teachers' understanding of their individual needs and tailored teaching approaches. Reading is prioritized, with support for early readers and encouragement for all pupils to engage with a variety of texts. The school sets a target for pupils to read 50 key books by age 16.
The school maintains high expectations for conduct and behavior, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. Pastoral care is robust, with dedicated staff addressing pupil absence compassionately and effectively. Leaders monitor attendance closely to ensure regular school attendance.
The school's commitment to personal development is exceptional, with initiatives like the cultural capital pledge ensuring that all pupils, especially the most disadvantaged, benefit from diverse opportunities. The student leadership group plays a vital role in enhancing the school community, leading to the establishment of new clubs and initiatives. Pupils can take on ambassador roles in various areas, including health and science, and participate in extracurricular events that enrich their learning experiences.
Staff appreciate the professional development opportunities provided by the school and value the leadership's commitment to their well-being and workload management. The trust leaders and governors demonstrate a strong understanding of the school and are dedicated to its continuous improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at The Royal Liberty School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection process, which included discussions with staff and pupils, confirmed the school's commitment to maintaining high standards in education and care. Overall, The Royal Liberty School exemplifies a supportive and ambitious educational environment, fostering success for all its pupils.
