Blanche Nevile School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 February 2023

Pupils enjoy coming to this special school. They feel safe and they are happy. All pupils learn British Sign Language (BSL) as well as English. Communication threads through everything at the school. BSL is a vital and vibrant aspect of school life. Pupils and adults communicate throughout the day with humour and warmth. Pupils learn academic subjects. They also learn about deaf culture and history. The curriculum supports pupils to develop an understanding of their own identity. Pupils grow in confidence while they are at the school. Adults prepare pupils well for their next steps when they leave at the end of Year 11. The school expects all pupils to do their best. In lessons, pupils behave well and work hard. There are lots of trips and visits to support the curriculum. Pupils go to museums, theatres and shops. They take part in outdoor and adventurous activities, such as climbing. They also go to events that are for the deaf community, including sports activities. Pupils often learn and socialise with their hearing peers in mainstream partner schools. Bullying is never tolerated. If it does occur, then adults deal with it effectively.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the key knowledge that leaders want pupils to learn is not always clear. This means that pupils do not consistently acquire a deep and well-connected body of knowledge in these subjects. Leaders should identify, precisely, the essential knowledge they want pupils to learn and in what order.
• Assessment does not consistently match the key content being taught. This means that teachers do not know, precisely, what pupils know and remember. Leaders should ensure that teachers assess the curriculum content that pupils are learning. They should also ensure that teachers use assessment to inform their teaching so that pupils' misconceptions are addressed.

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