Buckingham School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 April 2023

The majority of pupils learn well at this school. They enjoy the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, and they are prepared well for their next steps in life. Many pupils feel proud to go on and study courses in the school's growing sixth form. Pupils rightly feel safe at this school and know that there is an adult they can talk to if they have a concern. However, some feel uncomfortable because of the behaviour of other pupils, and this is not tackled consistently well by staff. When pupils report bullying or unkind behaviour, leaders take effective action to prevent it from continuing. Sometimes pupils' learning is interrupted by disruptive behaviour, and this is not always dealt with effectively by teachers. Pupils benefit from the opportunity to participate in a wide range of clubs. These are well attended and range from sports clubs to drama. They look forward to a variety of other events and trips linked to the curriculum, through which they extend and deepen their learning. Some pupils are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, for example by taking on a role in the school council or acting as an anti-bullying ambassador.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils use derogatory and disrespectful language towards each other. This makes some other pupils feel uncomfortable, and it is not challenged consistently by staff in school. Leaders should continue recent work to educate pupils about the harmful impact of this language. They should ensure that staff are confident to address this type of language and help to ensure that it is never tolerated.
• Teachers do not consistently reinforce high expectations of pupils' behaviour in lessons. Learning is sometimes disrupted as a result. Leaders should continue to improve the training they provide to staff and check that this is having an impact on the way that teachers manage classroom behaviour.
• Other than in the sixth form, there is inconsistency in how well teachers check pupils' understanding during lessons. As a result, learning sometimes moves on before all pupils are ready. Leaders should ensure that all staff have the knowledge and skills to check what pupils know and to use this information effectively.

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