Chertsey High School, located in Addlestone, Surrey, was inspected on 22 and 23 February 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding. This inspection marked the first evaluation of the school under section five of the Education Act 2005 since its opening in September 2017.
Pupils at Chertsey High School are described as confident and articulate, thriving within a supportive community. They express pride in their school and feel safe and welcomed. The school fosters an environment where pupils know how to seek help if they have concerns. Students actively engage in discussions about their favorite subjects and the variety of extracurricular activities available, including debate club, sports, and a sign language choir. Most pupils report that bullying is not an issue, and they trust that staff will address any concerns promptly. The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere, with clear routines that facilitate effective learning.
Leadership at Chertsey High School is focused on delivering a high-quality education that is ambitious for all students. While high expectations are evident, some subjects are still developing their strategies to ensure all pupils can achieve their potential. Parents and carers generally support the school's efforts, with many praising the positive and caring learning culture established by the staff.
The school excels in providing a broad and ambitious curriculum, with leaders identifying essential knowledge for pupils to learn across most subjects. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported in accessing the curriculum. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding in various subjects, although there are inconsistencies in the accuracy and application of assessment information in some areas, such as science and art. Feedback from teachers is not always sufficiently clear to help pupils improve.
Chertsey High School's values contribute to a kind and considerate ethos, with pupils feeling cared for and positively engaging with lessons on important topics like mental health and healthy living. The school provides valuable careers advice, helping pupils understand their future options. Leaders encourage participation in the wider school community, offering a diverse range of clubs and activities that cater to various interests, resulting in high participation rates.
Pupils demonstrate politeness and courtesy, exhibiting excellent behaviour in lessons and during informal times. The school has clear policies and expectations that are well understood by students. While staff feel supported and valued, and appreciate the professional development opportunities available, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of school-wide initiatives to ensure they effectively support staff in achieving their goals.
The safeguarding arrangements at Chertsey High School are effective, with staff well-informed about keeping pupils safe. They are trained to recognize signs of distress and know how to act appropriately. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure pupils receive necessary support.
To improve, the school must enhance the accuracy of assessments across all subjects to provide clearer feedback for pupils. Additionally, leaders need to evaluate their strategies for improving attendance among vulnerable groups to ensure all pupils benefit from in-person teaching and opportunities for personal development. Overall, Chertsey High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and ambitious educational environment for its pupils.
