Chessington School, located in Surrey, has recently undergone its first inspection under the Education Act 2005, with the inspection taking place on February 28 and 29, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The headteacher, Sarah Wilson, leads the school, which is part of the Every Child, Every Day trust, overseen by CEO Ash Ali and a board of trustees chaired by Bill Watkin.
The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where positive relationships between pupils and staff are evident. Pupils feel safe and well cared for, knowing they can approach an adult with any concerns. Instances of bullying are rare, and staff are proactive in addressing any issues that arise. The school provides a broad and stimulating curriculum, maintaining high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who receive appropriate support to access the same curriculum as their peers.
Chessington School promotes an orderly atmosphere where pupils are considerate of one another. Effective behavior management systems are in place, ensuring that any behavioral issues are addressed swiftly. The school offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, encouraging pupils to engage in various roles such as prefects and sports captains, and to participate in clubs that range from art to coding and sports.
The curriculum at Chessington School is ambitious and exceeds the national curriculum requirements. It is carefully planned and sequenced, allowing pupils to choose from a wide variety of courses at key stage four. The school has seen a significant increase in the number of pupils taking English Baccalaureate subjects, with more students studying modern foreign languages throughout their time at the school. Recent curriculum changes aim to deepen understanding and ensure consistency in implementation, although some subjects still require further development to secure foundational knowledge for all pupils.
Teachers at the school are well-supported and possess strong subject knowledge, effectively presenting information and engaging pupils in their learning. Most pupils, including those with SEND, develop a solid understanding of the material, enabling them to tackle more complex concepts. The school also emphasizes reading for enjoyment, providing opportunities for pupils to explore various authors and genres.
Pupil behavior is generally positive, with most students attending regularly. The school collaborates with external agencies to support pupil well-being and takes prompt action when concerns arise. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is designed to equip pupils with knowledge about health, safety, and risk management, including online safety.
Chessington School prepares its pupils well for future educational and career pathways, offering insights into various options through guest speakers and visits to colleges and universities. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, with trustees and local governors providing effective oversight of the school's operations.
The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. However, to enhance its performance further, the school must ensure that the ambitious curriculum is firmly embedded across all subjects and that staff receive the necessary training and support to deliver it confidently. Overall, Chessington School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
