Calthorpe Park School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 December 2022

Leaders are ambitious for all pupils to achieve well and develop into well-rounded individuals. Pupils enjoy learning the challenging curriculum. They appreciate the help and support that they receive from their teachers and pastoral staff. There are many clubs and enrichment events on offer, for example the 'Dragons Den challenge' and Model United Nations. These provide good opportunities for pupils to broaden their knowledge and leadership skills. Senior pupils contribute to leading many of these clubs and activities. Most pupils conduct themselves well. Relationships among pupils and staff are generally positive and respectful. Parts of the school, like the dining areas, can get very busy but pupils are generally understanding and cooperative. They understand the school's approaches to managing behaviour and say that these work most of the time. The behaviour seen in lessons during the inspection was usually impeccable. However, pupils say that their learning is sometimes interrupted by a minority of pupils. Pupils are safe and trust staff to help them if they are worried about anything. Some bullying does happen, but it is usually sorted out by the pastoral team, supported by pupils who are 'anti-bullying ambassadors'. Pupils say that any discrimination would be 'called out' as it is not tolerated.

What the school should improve

• The key stage 3 curriculum is not as well planned in a small number of foundation subjects as it is in others. This means pupils do not learn all key stage 3 subjects in as much depth as they should. Leaders should ensure that what pupils study in Years 7 to 9 is comparable in ambition to the scope of the national curriculum in all subjects.
• The number of pupils learning a modern foreign language is below national averages. This means that too few pupils gain the qualifications to achieve the English Baccalaureate. Leaders should continue their efforts to promote modern foreign languages to ensure that more pupils achieve the English Baccalaureate and benefit from the future opportunities that studying a language provides.
• Leaders do not analyse the participation rates of pupils in extra-curricular activities. Therefore, they are not able to tailor the activities that are offered and so encourage all pupils to take part, including disadvantaged pupils. Leaders need to ensure that all pupils have a fair chance of being involved in clubs and activities at school.

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