The Suthers School, located in Newark, Nottinghamshire, has recently undergone an inspection on 12 and 13 March 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Nicola Watkin, leads the school, which is part of the Nova Education Trust, overseen by CEO Ashfaq Rahman and chaired by Margaret Monckton.
The school fosters an inclusive environment where pupils are friendly, polite, and respectful. They feel safe and happy, adhering to the principles of ‘The Suthers Way’ and embodying the ‘TORCH’ character strengths of tenacity, optimism, respect, curiosity, and hard work. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and has developed an ambitious curriculum that reflects these expectations. Regular reading sessions are integral to the school’s approach, promoting a love for reading among students.
Positive relationships between staff and pupils are evident, with staff demonstrating genuine care for students' education and well-being. The school implements clear and consistent routines that promote good behavior and focus on learning in a calm environment. Pupils exhibit good behavior during social times, including in the busy refectory, and the school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying.
The school provides ample opportunities for character development through participation in careers fairs and cultural events, alongside a comprehensive range of extracurricular activities. Most parents and carers express satisfaction with the education their children receive, highlighting the positive impact of the school and its dedicated staff on their children's growth and confidence.
The school has effectively identified essential knowledge for pupils and has structured a progressive curriculum that builds on prior learning, leading to good academic achievement. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and utilize ‘connect’ tasks to assess prior understanding. However, the consistency of these checks varies across subjects, indicating an area for improvement.
The school accurately identifies the needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring they receive the necessary support. A strong emphasis on reading helps pupils expand their vocabulary and develop confidence in their reading abilities. Younger pupils benefit from dedicated reading time and targeted support to become fluent readers.
The governance structure, including trustees and the local governing body, demonstrates a solid understanding of their roles, providing appropriate challenge and support to the school. The introduction of a revised behavior policy has been well received, contributing to a positive school culture.
The personal development program is rich and comprehensive, covering topics such as healthy relationships, equality, and diversity. Pupils engage in discussions about spiritual and moral issues, learning to keep themselves safe in various contexts. The school effectively prepares pupils for their future, offering careers education and opportunities to engage with local businesses.
Leadership and management are strong, with a focus on staff well-being and professional development. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further enhance its effectiveness, the school should ensure that checks on pupils’ learning are consistently applied across all lessons, allowing every pupil to benefit fully from the curriculum. Overall, The Suthers School is making significant strides in providing quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
