Ovingham Middle School, located in Prudhoe, Northumberland, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 19 and 20, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Jenny Bullock, the school is part of the Cheviot Learning Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The school has established a positive environment where pupils are encouraged to aim high and meet high expectations regarding their conduct and academic achievements. The values of tolerance and respect are emphasized, and pupils are taught to recognize and challenge bullying, contributing to a supportive school culture.
Pupils express enjoyment in their academic lessons and appreciate the diverse extracurricular opportunities available, including sports, debate clubs, theatre trips, and a Spanish film club. The school promotes physical activity through both competitive and inclusive sports, ensuring that all pupils can participate. Despite some staffing challenges, the leadership has maintained a high-quality educational experience, fostering trust between pupils and staff. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement, with a broad and ambitious curriculum that prepares pupils well for their future education.
At key stage three, pupils study both French and Spanish, and the curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge effectively. The school has implemented retrieval tasks to reinforce learning and employs effective teaching strategies, particularly in mathematics. However, the consistency of questioning techniques across all subjects needs improvement to ensure that all pupils' learning gaps are identified and addressed. The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support to achieve alongside their peers.
Reading has become a focal point for development, with initiatives in place to support pupils who struggle with reading. Independent reading time is incorporated into the timetable, fostering a culture of reading among pupils. Behaviour in the school is generally positive, with pupils being polite and engaged. Teachers manage low-level disruptions effectively, although there are inconsistencies in the application of the behaviour policy, which can lead to perceptions of unfairness among pupils.
Pupils receive education on personal, social, health, and economic issues, discussing topics such as equality and diversity with maturity. They learn about safety in various contexts, including online safety and community awareness. The school prepares pupils for future employment through PSHE lessons and career-related activities, helping them understand the range of opportunities available to them.
Staff members report feeling well-supported by school leaders, who consider their workload and listen to their concerns. There is a strong sense of pride among staff in being part of the school community. The governing body and trust team are actively involved in evaluating the school's strengths and weaknesses, maintaining a focus on improvement.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To enhance its performance further, the school should focus on improving the consistency of questioning techniques across all subjects and ensure the behaviour policy is applied uniformly to foster a fair and equitable environment for all pupils. Overall, Ovingham Middle School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a commitment to high standards and the well-being of its pupils.
