Royal Greenwich Trust School, located in Greenwich, London, has undergone a recent inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on 11 and 12 October 2022, and it highlighted several strengths of the school, particularly in the areas of education quality, behavior, personal development, leadership, and management, as well as sixth-form provision. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at the school benefit from positive relationships with teachers and staff, fostering a supportive learning environment. The implementation of new behavior systems has led to clear routines that are well understood by students, contributing to a generally good standard of behavior. The school takes incidents of bullying seriously, addressing them promptly to ensure a safe environment for all students. Leaders are ambitious for their pupils and have developed a rich curriculum that prepares them effectively for future educational and career opportunities. Most students are engaged and produce high-quality work across various subjects.
The school places a strong emphasis on technology, which is integrated into the curriculum and is particularly evident in the sixth form's subject specialisms. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, which enhances student learning. For instance, sixth-form students learn to use industry-standard software for practical applications, such as operating a laser cutter and programming robots.
The curriculum is designed thoughtfully, with subject leaders carefully considering the sequence of knowledge delivery. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for subsequent learning stages. For example, younger students in mathematics learn about positive and negative numbers, laying the groundwork for more complex concepts later on. Similarly, history lessons focus on cause and consequence, equipping older students with the language and analytical skills needed for historical discussions.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Although teachers generally check students' understanding and address learning gaps, this practice is not consistently applied across all subjects and year groups. In some instances, students may receive assignments without the necessary background knowledge, which can hinder their learning and focus. Additionally, while behavior in lessons is mostly calm and respectful, there are occasions when students lose focus, and not all instances are addressed promptly by teachers.
The school has effective systems in place to support students with reading difficulties, ensuring that staff are well-trained to assist those in need. The personal development curriculum is well-structured, focusing on important topics such as respectful relationships, mental health, and online safety. Students appreciate the character development lessons, which encourage discussions on various relevant issues, including career options and British values.
Leaders have established appropriate measures to identify and support students with special educational needs and disabilities, collaborating with local authorities and professionals to ensure equitable access to the curriculum. The governance of the school is strong, with trustees and leaders taking decisive actions to foster improvement and secure adequate staffing to implement changes. Feedback from pupils and staff indicates noticeable improvements in the school environment, curriculum, and behavior.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a knowledgeable team ensuring that staff are well-trained to recognize and report concerns. The school actively teaches students about safety, including online risks and health awareness. Overall, Royal Greenwich Trust School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its students, positioning itself as a supportive and effective educational institution.
