Hawksmoor School, located in Thamesmead, London, has recently undergone an inspection on 18 and 19 October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which is part of the Endeavour Partnership Trust, is led by headteacher James Thompson and overseen by CEO Jo Marchant and chair of trustees Steve Wheatley. The inspection highlighted significant improvements made by the leadership team, with positive feedback from parents, staff, and pupils regarding the school's environment and the impact on children's development.
Pupils at Hawksmoor School are encouraged to achieve high standards, particularly in reading and mathematics, where they perform exceptionally well. The school promotes exemplary behavior, kindness, and resilience among its students. Pupils demonstrate consideration for others, actively helping and including their peers during playtime. They also take on responsibilities through roles such as school council members, fostering a sense of community and leadership.
The curriculum at Hawksmoor School is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have effectively identified and addressed gaps in the curriculum, and staff express strong support for the changes implemented. The curriculum includes deliberate opportunities for reasoning and problem-solving in mathematics, ensuring that pupils build a solid foundation of knowledge.
While the school excels in several areas, there are aspects that require further development. The subject content is generally well-structured, allowing pupils to reach ambitious learning goals. However, curriculum thinking in some foundation subjects is not as robust, leading to occasional difficulties for pupils in recalling prior learning. The school is encouraged to strengthen its approach in these areas to ensure that all subjects receive equal attention and development.
Teaching methods at Hawksmoor School are effective, with clear explanations and well-structured information that aids pupil understanding. The school prioritizes reading, providing comprehensive training for staff to enhance their teaching methods. Regular assessments ensure that pupils are progressing in their reading skills, with targeted support for those who may fall behind. The selection of texts is carefully curated to broaden pupils' vocabulary and knowledge.
Pupils with special educational needs receive thoughtful adaptations in teaching and resources, allowing them to engage fully with the curriculum. The school fosters an environment where pupils are attentive, engaged, and motivated, encouraging them to persevere through challenging tasks. In the early years, children are taught essential social skills, such as sharing and taking turns, which contribute to their emotional development.
The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. The leadership team has created a culture of openness regarding safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
In summary, Hawksmoor School has made commendable progress since its opening in April 2021, demonstrating a commitment to high standards in education and pupil well-being. While the school excels in many areas, particularly in reading and mathematics, there is a need for continued focus on developing the curriculum in foundation subjects to ensure all pupils receive a well-rounded education. The positive feedback from the school community reflects the successful initiatives implemented by the leadership team, contributing to a thriving educational environment.