Davenant Foundation School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

Pupils are proud of their friendly and welcoming school. They develop a sense of belonging quickly in this supportive and inclusive environment. Pupils know they are expected to work hard. Their highly positive response to the ambitious expectations set for them is reflected in their academic success, especially at GCSE. It is also seen in their wider achievements, such as in sports and through the popular Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve consistently better than similar pupils nationally in a wide range of subjects. They are very well prepared for the next stage of education. Post-16 students gain the qualifications they need to move on to higher level studies, employment or training, including apprenticeships. While students achieve well overall, attainment at A level is not as consistently above the national average as it is at the end of Year 11. Leaders’ improvement actions continue to focus sharply and successfully on continuing to raise post-16 standards. Positive relationships are at the heart of the highly developed sense of community across the school. Classrooms are calm and orderly. Pupils know that school is a safe space. They understand the Davenant Foundation high expectations, so they behave well and attend school regularly. Bullying is rare and managed appropriately if it occurs. Pupils are active members of the school community. They benefit from an extensive personal development programme, including opportunities to join in choir and school performances. Post-16 students play an active role in school leadership, for example, as senior prefects and in leading house events. Leaders prepare pupils very well to take their place in modern British society. The school's well-promoted values are closely aligned with fundamental British values. Pupils’ respect for others and their individual differences is embedded in daily school life.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue actions to raise post-16 students’ attainment, including through the revised approaches to checks on students’ learning already underway.

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