The Charles Dickens School, located in Broadstairs, Kent, underwent an inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. This marked a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which had rated the school as Requires Improvement. The school is recognized for its supportive, innovative, and inclusive environment, where pupils feel happy and safe. The personal, social, health, and education (PSHE) program is well integrated into the academic curriculum, contributing positively to students' individual development.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive appropriate support to access the full curriculum, and the progress of disadvantaged pupils is closely monitored. The school has implemented strategies to help pupils retain knowledge effectively, fostering a strong work ethic among students. Behaviour and attitudes are notably positive, with pupils demonstrating focus and attentiveness in lessons. Relationships within the school community are characterized by kindness and support.
The school offers a variety of enriching experiences, including educational trips to Chatham Dock Yards and the Imperial War Museum, which pupils value highly. Leadership roles such as head students and prefects provide opportunities for pupils to develop responsibility. The careers provision is robust, with strong links to local schools and colleges, facilitating various curriculum pathways, including apprenticeships. The school is actively working to enhance the status of language subjects, as the uptake of languages is currently below desired levels.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, aligning with national standards and showing improvement in subjects like mathematics and science. However, the school acknowledges areas for growth, particularly in design and technology, and is addressing these shortfalls. The proportion of pupils taking the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) remains low, prompting the school to focus on increasing participation in language courses.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, and lesson planning emphasizes the importance of revisiting and retaining knowledge. Regular assessments help identify and address gaps in learning promptly. The school prioritizes literacy and reading across all subjects, with a growing number of pupils exceeding their chronological reading age.
High expectations for behaviour are consistently communicated and enforced, creating a positive environment where bullying is not tolerated. While attendance has improved, the school continues to work on reducing persistent absence and managing the rising number of suspensions, which the school attributes to heightened behavioural expectations.
The PSHE program allows for discussions on mental health and healthy relationships, although it requires better mapping to ensure systematic knowledge development over time. The leadership team, including trustees and governors, is ambitious for the school and provides valuable support. Staff feel well-supported despite the challenges of their workload, with regular well-being checks in place.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding promoted throughout the school. Leaders ensure that concerns are addressed promptly, and pupils feel safe and know how to report issues. Overall, while the school has made significant strides in various areas, it recognizes the need to enhance language uptake and improve the mapping of the PSHE curriculum to ensure comprehensive and age-appropriate content delivery.
