Charles Darwin School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 June 2023

Leaders have created an inclusive school. The school's values of 'aspire, endeavour and achieve' are at the core of the school's work. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils to succeed and reach their potential. The arts play an essential role in the life of this school. A high proportion of pupils take arts subjects at GCSE and A level, particularly music. The school orchestra is accomplished, and many pupils get involved in school productions. The curriculum for Years 10 and 11 and in the sixth form provides an extensive range of academic and vocational courses catering for the needs of all pupils. The curriculum is enhanced by local trips to Orpington Literacy Festival and overseas trips, including to Poland. Students in the sixth form benefit from an individualised approach and achieve well. Pupils behave well. They are polite and respectful. Pupils are safe in school and are comfortable reporting any concerns to staff. Where occasional bullying occurs, this is swiftly dealt with by leaders. Leaders provide opportunities for pupils to take up leadership responsibilities, such as representing their peers on the student council.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes teachers do not use assessment strategies sufficiently to understand what pupils know and remember from previous learning. This leads to pupils having gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Leaders should make sure that teachers are able to use assessment confidently and that they provide frequent opportunities to help pupils embed knowledge in their long-term memory.

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