The John Roan School, located in Blackheath, London, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on October 10 and 11, 2023. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The principal, Cath Smith, leads the school, which is part of the United Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Jon Coles and a board of trustees chaired by Richard Greenhalgh.
Parents and carers express high satisfaction with the school, highlighting effective communication and the accessibility of teachers. The school fosters a strong sense of community and inclusivity, encouraging students to treat everyone equally regardless of their backgrounds. Safeguarding measures are in place, with students able to report concerns through a QR code system. The leadership has established a culture of high expectations, resulting in good behavior among students, who transition between lessons without causing disruption.
Students achieve well across various subjects, reflecting the collective efforts of staff to motivate them to work hard and aspire to success. The sixth form is well-supported, with students benefiting from excellent facilities at the Maze Hill site. The school promotes its PRIDE values, which emphasize character development and encourage student involvement in extracurricular activities.
The school has designed its curriculum thoughtfully, particularly for key stage four and the sixth form, allowing students to pursue subjects up to Year 13. New courses, such as economics, have been introduced to meet the growing needs of the sixth form. The curriculum in Years 7 to 9 is broad, with an increasing number of students studying modern foreign languages, aligning with the school's goal for more pupils to achieve the English Baccalaureate.
Leaders demonstrate ambition in curriculum design, selecting challenging texts in English and ensuring that core knowledge is clearly defined. Staff possess strong subject knowledge and receive ongoing training, enabling them to explain concepts effectively and engage students in meaningful learning activities. The school emphasizes the importance of recalling prior learning to enhance long-term memory retention.
However, there are areas for improvement. Occasionally, teaching does not sufficiently check students' understanding, leading to gaps in knowledge. The school aims to refine staff training to enhance the precision of assessments and adapt teaching accordingly. Additionally, some students, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, require more support in developing reading fluency to catch up with their peers.
The school has prioritized attendance management, employing additional staff to address attendance issues promptly. Collaborative efforts among staff contribute to a focused learning environment, with students responding well to instructions. Enrichment opportunities, including visits and guest speakers, enhance the educational experience, while effective careers guidance ensures students are well-informed about future pathways.
Leaders, including trustees, possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas needing improvement. The trust has played a crucial role in supporting the school's development, particularly in addressing challenges such as staff recruitment. The local governing body is becoming more adept at managing its responsibilities.
Overall, The John Roan School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering a supportive community, and continuously striving for improvement in student outcomes and experiences.
