Cobham Free School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 May 2023

Cobham Free School serves pupils well. As the school has grown over time, leaders have remained true to the ethos they established from the outset: Optimum Omnibus - the best for all. They have established a safe and welcoming community, where aspirations and expectations are high. Pupils work well alongside each other, thriving academically while growing holistically as individuals. The atmosphere around both school sites is warm and nurturing. Relationships between adults and pupils are well established and effective. On the lower school (infant) site, the youngest pupils work and play well together. Occasional, more boisterous behaviour on the playground is managed well, with pupils encouraged to make positive choices. Consistent routines and expectations help pupils to settle quickly when they 'move up' to the main school site. Here, key stage 2 and secondary-aged pupils exist harmoniously alongside sixth-form students. Classrooms and corridors on both sites are calm and purposeful. Pupils report feeling well looked after. Leaders have established an open culture, which gives pupils the courage to 'call out' the occasional behaviours that make them uncomfortable. Concerns are taken seriously and acted on swiftly by adults. This helps pupils to feel safe and valued, trusting adults to manage any difficult situations well.

What the school should improve

• Some parts of the curriculum, such as the teaching of reading, are evolving. For these areas, there are variations in staff expertise and knowledge. As a result, some parts of the curriculum are not delivered quite as effectively as others. Leaders need to ensure that staff receive the specific training and support to enable them to deliver the full curriculum consistently well across all phases of the school.

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