Denefield School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 November 2023

This is an inclusive and caring school, which is ambitious for all its pupils. There are high expectations of what pupils can achieve, including those with additional needs. Pupils study a rich range of subjects in all key stages. They produce work of an increasingly high standard in Years 7 to 11. This includes many pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils achieve well. A few pupils follow a personalised curriculum. These are carefully put together, based on what is in each pupil's best interests. Pupils appreciate the school's excellent pastoral provision. This support helps pupils to meet the school's high expectations, including of behaviour. Consequently, pupils behave well. They are polite and respectful to each other, and to adults. The school's 'Success For Life' programme helps pupils to navigate the increasingly complex world they live in. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy, including online and in relationships. They also learn about people who are different from themselves. The school does not shy away from discussing sensitive subjects with pupils. It approaches these themes very thoughtfully. The sixth-form programme is appropriate but does not yet have the depth seen lower down the school.

What the school should improve

• Assessment is not yet used consistently well. It is not always focused on the depth and connectedness of pupils' understanding of what they have been taught. Consequently, there are some gaps in pupils' knowledge that hinders their success as tasks become more complex. The school needs to develop its assessment approaches and ensure that all staff are supported to implement them consistently well.
• In some areas of the curriculum, pupils with SEND do not fully access learning activities. Consequently, these pupils do not achieve as highly as they could. The school should ensure that all staff implement appropriate and effective adaptations for pupils with additional needs.
• Strategies for promoting personal development in the sixth form are not yet fully embedded. This means that some sixth-form students do not always develop the range of independent and age-appropriate personal and social skills they could. The school should ensure that all students take part in a range of meaningful opportunities, where they can take responsibility and contribute to the school and the wider community.

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