Tavistock College, located in Devon, has undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The inspection took place on April 23 and 24, 2024. The college is part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, with Tristan Muller-Forster serving as the principal. The trust is overseen by CEO Dan Morrow and a board of trustees chaired by Tania Skeaping.
Pupils at Tavistock College express pride in their school and benefit from a curriculum that offers various opportunities to engage with the world around them. For instance, Year 10 students participate in work experience across different settings, and there is a strong emphasis on sports, including football and netball. The behavior of pupils is generally calm and orderly, both in lessons and throughout the school. They are taught the values of mutual respect, kindness, and empathy, which are reinforced through the personal, social, and health education curriculum. This curriculum also covers important societal concepts such as democracy and freedom of speech, preparing students to be responsible citizens. Staff effectively address instances of bullying, and pupils feel safe and supported by trusted adults within the school.
The college provides effective careers guidance, particularly for sixth-form students, who appreciate the tailored support they receive. They are well-informed about the requirements for pursuing higher education, apprenticeships, and employment. While pupils value their learning experiences, there are still gaps in knowledge for some students, indicating that further improvements in the curriculum are necessary.
The school has a clear vision for academic, social, and emotional achievement for all pupils. Leaders have revised the curriculum content to enhance learning across most subjects. For example, in English, students engage with a diverse range of carefully selected texts. However, the impact of these changes has not been uniformly felt across all year groups. In certain subjects, teachers lack a comprehensive understanding of what pupils know, which hinders their ability to adapt teaching methods effectively.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective in some areas, with staff utilizing information to provide both academic and emotional assistance. Pupils who struggle with reading receive targeted support, enabling them to engage more successfully with the broader curriculum. The school promotes a whole-school approach to reading for enjoyment, although this is not consistently implemented.
The sixth-form curriculum is well-structured, with strong subject knowledge among staff that encourages students to think critically. Students also have numerous opportunities for personal development, including supporting younger pupils and participating in anti-bullying initiatives. They are well-prepared for adulthood, learning about healthy relationships and safety in various contexts.
Pupil behavior is managed effectively, leading to a significant reduction in poor behavior incidents. The school’s attendance has improved due to leaders' diligent oversight. Governance is robust, with trust directors and local stakeholders providing balanced challenge and support to school leaders. Staff feel well-supported and take pride in their work at the college.
The safeguarding arrangements at Tavistock College are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. However, the school must address the inconsistent use of assessment to better understand pupils' knowledge and adapt teaching accordingly. Additionally, the promotion of reading habits needs to be implemented more consistently across all year groups to foster a culture of reading for enjoyment.
