Coombe Dean School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

The Coombe Dean School's values of community, integrity and opportunity are well understood by pupils. Pupils and staff share warm, respectful relationships with other members of the school community. Pupils feel cared for, which makes them feel safe. Older pupils and sixth-form students act as role models for younger pupils. For example, they run music clubs and volunteer as sports leaders. Members of the school council, ‘The Senate’, are proud of their role in making the school a better place for all. Pupils understand their responsibilities for behaving well. The clear routines and high expectations for behaviour mean that pupils can learn without disruption. On the rare occasion that bullying occurs, it is dealt with swiftly. It is clearly not tolerated. A wide range of extra-curricular opportunities help pupils to develop their talents and interests. For example, they can join music and drama clubs or sport teams. This focus on developing pupils as citizens means that they are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Leaders have created a school culture, where all staff work together to support pupils. Pupils’ individual barriers for either their learning or wellbeing are carefully identified. Swift and well-matched support is then provided for these pupils. The high-quality pastoral and academic support mean that pupils overcome their individual challenges to be successful in their learning. Pupils of all ages enjoy their learning and understand the importance of attending well. The high-quality curriculum and effective teaching they receive across the curriculum means that they are successful in their chosen qualifications. Pupils particularly value the individual careers information and guidance they receive to help them with their future aspirations. This means that pupils move successfully to their chosen education, employment or training destinations.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the personal development curriculum enables pupils to recall their learning about relationships, healthy lifestyles, cultures and religions, so that they are well prepared for adult life.
• Leaders should further embed the effective teaching strategies they have introduced, so that pupils’ achievement continues to rise.
• Those responsible for governance should ensure that they robustly support and challenge leaders across all aspects of the school’s work.

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