Ashlawn School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 June 2025

This is a school that has undergone significant improvement since its previous graded inspection. Pupils, staff and leaders are right to be proud of the role they have all played in addressing the areas of weakness that had been identified. There is a shared belief in the school's vision of everyone giving 'our best, always'. There has been a profound shift in the culture of the school. There is now a sense of community and of caring for each other. For example, sixth-form students 'pay it forward' by supporting younger pupils as mentors. The school's 'CARE pillars' of 'community, aspiration, respect and excellence' are threaded through all aspects of school life. Everyone is clear about the importance of respect, both towards each other and the school environment. Pupils value the many ways they can now raise any concerns that they may have. They trust that staff will support them. Parents and carers, along with pupils and staff, know how much behaviour has improved. Expectations are high and communicated clearly. Pupils manage themselves well at social times. Lessons are typically calm and purposeful, with pupils able to get on with their learning. Most pupils work hard and achieve well.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is not consistently implemented to the same high standard within each subject area. Due to these pockets of variation, some pupils do not benefit from the same high-quality learning experience as others. Sometimes this means that pupils do not develop the depth of knowledge and understanding that they could. The school should ensure that the best practice is shared and built upon so that the quality of provision within subjects is of a consistently high standard.
• The school's strategy to support disadvantaged pupils is not having sufficient impact. Some disadvantaged pupils do not achieve the outcomes that they need to be well- prepared for the next stage in their education. This is especially the case for pupils who are persistently absent. The school should ensure that staff at all levels understand and fulfil their roles and responsibilities in improving the outcomes and attendance of these pupils.

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