Chipping Campden School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at this school are happy and feel a strong sense of belonging.

The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour and conduct and, most of the time, pupils meet these expectations. The school's values are widely understood by pupils and students in the sixth form. Sixth form students are extremely proud of their school and demonstrate exceptionally positive attitudes towards their learning.

Pupils benefit from a broad and ambitious curriculum. They value the range of subjects available to them in key stages 4 and 5. Each subject is well-planned and, most of the time, the curriculum is delivered effectively.

The school expects pupils to achieve highl...y and many achieve well. In the sixth form, students develop strong independent learning skills.

The school provides an extensive range of enrichment opportunities, including in sports and performing arts.

There are also many smaller clubs and activities, some of which are led by pupils and sixth form students. Student leaders take their responsibilities seriously. The school's four 'ministries' help to promote an understanding of important issues such as sustainability and inclusivity.

The recently reinvigorated house system provides a myriad of opportunities for pupils to participate events and take pride in the school's long history and heritage.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

In each subject, the school has carefully identified the most important knowledge pupils need to know. The curriculum builds sequentially on what pupils have learned before.

A large number of pupils choose to study the full range of subjects in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc). The school actively promotes the study of modern foreign languages and provides additional GCSE courses, such as Latin, further mathematics and astronomy. The school promotes a love of learning through its 'Excel Super Curricular' programme.

The number of pupils who achieve strong passes in GCSE English and mathematics is above the national average. Many pupils achieve well in other subjects, too. In the sixth form, students achieve well, and the vast majority are successful in their applications to academically selective universities.

Staff deliver the curriculum with passion and subject expertise. Recent work to ensure that teaching approaches are consistently effective is having an impact in some areas. However, this is not consistently the case.

Sometimes, staff do not use teaching approaches to check and deepen pupils' understanding of what has been taught. This means that some pupils do not learn or achieve as well as others, including those who are disadvantaged. The delivery of the curriculum in the sixth form is consistently strong.

As a result, students develop a deep understanding of what they learned and are motivated to complete additional reading and work in their chosen subjects.

The school effectively promotes a love of reading. Pupils in key stage 3 read a range of books which develop their social and cultural awareness.

Pupils who have fallen behind with reading are well-supported to catch up.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities have their needs accurately identified. They are effectively supported to learn alongside their peers.

Recent work to improve the systems which support these pupils has had a positive impact. A significant number of parents and carers commented positively on this provision when completing the inspection survey.

The school has a clear behaviour policy, which is widely understood by staff and pupils.

When the system is used as intended, it is effective. Low-level disruption is rare but causes frustration to younger pupils when it does happen. Serious breaches of the policy are very rare and, most of the time, pupils are calm and respectful.

Students in the sixth form are excellent role models to younger pupils.

The school's 'Life Learning' curriculum is exceptionally well-designed and delivered. Pupils remember important information about how to stay mentally and physically safe and healthy.

They understand about people's differences and how to treat everyone fairly. A large number of pupils and sixth form students take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. The school's careers programme ensures that pupils of all ages learn about a range of careers and develop skills which prepare them for life beyond school.

This includes work experience opportunities in Years 10 and 12.

Leaders have introduced a number of changes to drive improvements in the quality of education and standards of behaviour at the school. They actively seek the views of staff and parents and are highly responsive to feedback.

Trustees hold the school to account and provide appropriate support. They recognise the need to strengthen the level of this challenge in order for the school to achieve its ambitious plans, particularly in relation to the education it provides.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The implementation of the curriculum is not consistently effective. Sometimes, staff do not utilise the most effective pedagogical tools to check and deepen pupils' understanding. This means that some pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, do not achieve as well as they could.

The school should ensure that staff consistently use effective teaching approaches. In addition, they must monitor the implementation of the curriculum more closely, so that trustees also have a strong oversight of the curriculum, and more pupils achieve highly. Occasional instances of poor behaviour are sometimes not addressed quickly enough in lessons.

While there is a clear system to manage low-level disruption, the system is not used consistently well. This means that, at times, a small minority of younger pupils continue to disrupt learning and this frustrates their peers. The school should provide more clarity to staff about how to manage low level disruption in lessons, so that learning is not disrupted.