Penkridge Middle School, located in Staffordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 21 and 22, 2022. The school fosters a calm and friendly environment where pupils feel happy and safe, leading to high attendance rates and strong support from staff. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are effectively addressed. The school maintains high expectations for all students, who respond positively by demonstrating good behavior and a strong work ethic in lessons.
The curriculum is well-planned, catering for the diverse learning needs of pupils. Students enjoy their learning experiences and take pride in their work, actively participating in class discussions and showing determination in independent tasks. Teachers utilize reward systems to acknowledge student achievements, which pupils appreciate and find motivating. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, drama, dance, and mathematics clubs, with many students participating in these opportunities. Notably, over a hundred pupils are involved in rehearsals for the upcoming school production, Shakespeare Rocks.
Parents generally express satisfaction with the school, highlighting its positive atmosphere, appropriate academic challenges, and supportive pastoral system. School leaders have a clear understanding of their institution's strengths and areas for improvement. They have established effective plans to enhance the school further, with governors and trustees providing a balanced mix of support and challenge.
The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to a broad range of subjects. Subject leaders collaborate with local schools to ensure that the curriculum meets national standards. While most subjects have well-structured schemes of work that help pupils build and retain knowledge, a few subjects require further development to enhance the sequencing of learning.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, effectively delivering the curriculum and enabling pupils to build their understanding over time. They frequently check for understanding and provide valuable feedback, which most pupils use to improve their work. However, there are instances where some pupils do not act on feedback, leading to gaps in their learning.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs, adapting lessons to ensure accessibility. However, there is currently no permanent special educational needs coordinator in place, which has raised concerns among some parents. Leaders are aware of this issue and have plans to appoint a permanent SENCo at the start of the next academic year.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, covering topics such as cultural diversity and safety. Pupils are encouraged to contribute positively to the school community, exemplified by a group of Year 6 students who initiated and run a school stationery shop.
Staff express pride in working at the school, appreciating its leadership and management. They feel trusted and valued, with leaders considering their workload when planning improvements. Professional development opportunities are available, including collaboration with colleagues from other schools.
The safeguarding arrangements at Penkridge Middle School are effective, with clear procedures in place to ensure the safety of pupils. Staff are well-trained and quick to respond to concerns, working closely with families and external agencies to provide necessary support. Pupils are educated on safety and know how to seek help when needed.
To improve further, the school should focus on enhancing the sequencing of the curriculum in a small number of subjects and ensuring that all pupils consistently respond to teacher feedback to solidify their learning. Overall, Penkridge Middle School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
