Darrick Wood School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 May 2024

Most pupils enjoy school and get a lot out of the experiences it provides. This, combined with the school's high expectations, is one of the reasons why pupils' academic and personal development is strong. This includes in the sixth form, where students produce high-quality work. Pupils' behaviour is mostly good in lessons and around the school. There are a few interruptions to lessons caused by silly behaviour. The behaviour of a small number of pupils is challenging and this results in some minor disruption to the school's otherwise calm atmosphere. In most cases, the school deals with this well. The school's approach means that pupils' behaviour improves considerably as they get older. The school manages bullying appropriately. Some pupils and parents expressed concerns about bullying and behaviour. Bullying does happen but most pupils are confident that staff will resolve matters. However, a minority of those pupils who responded to the survey felt this was not the case. Much of the school's work to deal with bullying goes on in the background because issues can be more complex than first meets the eye. Sometimes, the school does not make pupils and parents appropriately aware of the positive impact of this aspect of its work. Pupils and students enjoy greatly the extensive range of activities, clubs and trips provided by the school. These extend the already ambitious curriculum, and aim to help pupils to become responsible adults and be prepared for the next stage of their lives.

What the school should improve

• Although the school has developed its approach to the curriculum, and introduced new methods to improve further pupils' learning, there are times when some of the chosen techniques are not having the desired impact on pupils' achievements. The school needs to ensure that well-targeted professional development is used to extend teachers' pedagogical skills and knowledge so that the curriculum is implemented with greater consistency.
• The school's revised behaviour policy is not implemented consistently well, especially in the lower years. In a few lessons, silly behaviour interrupts learning. The school needs to ensure that everyone has the skills and knowledge to manage behaviour effectively. This includes strengthening staff's understanding of the policy and its implications for their everyday practice.

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