Buxton School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 June 2023

Leaders, staff and pupils all embody the school values of ambition, honesty, academia, kindness and family. Members of the school community described how Buxton School is like a family. Pupils value how attending an all-through school helps them to feel settled. Staff know pupils very well, and because of this, they make sure that pupils are inspired by their learning. Leaders have developed a curriculum based on their high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders and staff understand pupils' needs fully, including those who attend the additional resource provision (ARP). These pupils benefit from well-tailored additional support, including support for accessing the curriculum. Leaders have ensured that there is a clear behaviour system in place, with well- understood rewards and consequences. All staff have high expectations about the behaviour of pupils. Pupils display positive attitudes to learning in their lessons. Pupils are kept safe. Leaders use trips and other enrichment activities to increase pupils' exposure to the wider world. They want all pupils to have certain key experiences, such as taking part in in- person work experience. Leaders also use the pupil voice to help them to decide on the extra-curricular offer. This has led to the introduction of clubs for ballet and debating.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the curriculum is newer than others. In these subjects, where the curriculum is new, the way the curriculum is designed and taught is not consistently enabling pupils to develop and retain their understanding in detail and in the longer term. Leaders should continue with their work to develop a rich and well-sequenced curriculum for all subjects and to provide training to allow all staff to successfully deliver the curriculum.

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