Saracens High School, located in London, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which opened in September 2018, serves students aged 11 to 18 and has a current enrollment of 659 pupils. The inspection took place on May 24 and 25, 2022, marking the first routine inspection since the school began operations. The school is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment, emphasizing values such as discipline, hard work, honesty, and humility. Diversity is celebrated, and creativity is encouraged through various initiatives, including the annual Together We Create weeks, where students engage in a range of creative activities.
In the classroom, pupils demonstrate respect for their teachers and work diligently. The staff possesses strong subject knowledge and understands the needs of their students. Generally, behavior is good, and students report that any instances of bullying are addressed promptly. The school fosters a sense of safety, with pupils feeling secure and aware of whom to approach with concerns. Leaders are dedicated to enhancing the educational experience, implementing initiatives like family lunch and reading programs to cultivate a sense of community. Students also benefit from a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including theater visits and outdoor activities.
The curriculum is designed to support the ambition for all students to succeed, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the same educational opportunities. Teachers employ diverse instructional strategies to enhance learning, although some areas of the curriculum and assessment practices require further development. While some subjects allow for refinement of work through improvement activities, this practice is not consistently applied across all subjects.
Support for pupils requiring additional help, such as those with special educational needs and those learning English as an additional language, is robust. Teachers are well-informed about their needs and utilize various strategies to facilitate their learning, aided by well-trained teaching assistants. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with regular family reading sessions and targeted support for those needing extra assistance.
Personal, social, and health education is delivered by specialist teachers across all year groups, covering essential topics such as relationships, safety, and life skills. The PSHE curriculum also includes career guidance, with various employers engaging with students to provide insights into future opportunities. The school ensures that all pupils can participate in enriching activities, including cultural visits during designated weeks.
While the school has high expectations for behavior, there are instances where these expectations are not consistently met, leading to occasional low-level disruptions. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that behavior policies are uniformly applied to maintain a conducive learning environment. Attendance is generally good, with proactive measures in place to encourage regular attendance.
Governors are actively involved in the school, working closely with leaders and challenging them appropriately regarding curriculum design and safeguarding. Staff well-being is prioritized, with extensive training opportunities available. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance established throughout the school. Pupils feel safe and know how to report concerns.
To improve, the school should focus on enhancing the consistency of assessment strategies across subjects to ensure that misconceptions are addressed promptly. Additionally, reinforcing behavior expectations will help maintain a positive learning atmosphere. Overall, Saracens High School demonstrates a commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
