Appletree School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 July 2024

Pupils are very happy at Appletree School. They thrive in this welcoming and friendly environment. They have strong relationships with staff, and feel cared for and safe. Pupils know that staff will help them if they are upset or anxious. This helps to reassure them and eases their worries. Pupils behave exceptionally well. They treat each other and adults with high levels of respect. Pupils warmly support the well-being of one another. They treat each other with great empathy and kindness. The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement. This is reflected in pupils' positive attitudes to learning and high aspirations. Pupils, most of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and an education, health and care (EHC) plan, achieve well. Pupils make a positive contribution to the life of the school and to the wider community. For example, the school council has been proactive in developing the outdoor area with a multi-use games area and playground markings. Pupils are immersed in the community. For example, they participate in the village lantern festival and county shows. They have close links to the village church, schools and with the local Member of Parliament. Pupils enjoy visiting nearby farms, zoos and nature reserves.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, including reading, the school has not ensured that the curriculum is taught as intended. This means that some pupils do not learn all that they should to be sufficiently prepared for their next stage of education. The school should ensure that staff have the subject-specific knowledge and support that they need to implement the intended curriculum consistently well.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)