Chilwell School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 January 2024

This is a happy community school where pupils feel safe. The school is calm and orderly. Lessons are purposeful. The school rewards pupils for working hard and doing the right thing. Pupils value this recognition. Younger pupils said that they enjoy having their own space to socialise at break and lunchtime. The school sets high expectations of pupils' academic and personal progress. Pupils have opportunities to use the knowledge they learn independently in most lessons. Reading is important at Chilwell School. The school prioritises provision for pupils who need to improve their reading. In the sixth form, students get support to reach their potential and lead by example. They can choose from a growing range of post-16 courses and take part in an enrichment programme. Through the school's Cygnus extra-curricular programme, discovery days and activities week, pupils can discover and develop their individual talents and interests. Manga, musical theatre, chess, girls' rugby, basketball and gardening all feature in the after- school Cygnus programme. One parent, typical of many, said, 'Pupils have a range of opportunities to become well rounded young people.'

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is not equally well implemented in all areas of the school. In some cases, lessons do not focus sharply enough on the knowledge or vocabulary that pupils need to learn before moving on to the next steps. In a small number of cases, pupils do not get the support they need and develop gaps in their learning. The school should continue its work to ensure that teaching is consistently effective so that all pupils learn as well as they should in all areas of the curriculum.

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