Dorothy Stringer School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 October 2023

Staff are ambitious for all pupils and have carefully considered appropriate ways to support them to flourish. They are dedicated to inclusivity and aim to reduce the barriers that can prevent pupils from achieving well. Increasing numbers of pupils are entered for the English Baccalaureate each year, and outcomes for all pupils continue to improve. Many pupils enjoy school and learning. They feel cared for and safe at school. There are high expectations for behaviour. As a result, behaviour is typically calm and respectful across the school. Incidents of bullying are dealt with sensitively and effectively by adults who know their pupils well. However, a small number of pupils are less confident that swift action is taken to address disrespectful behaviour. Opportunities for all pupils to extend their learning outside their curriculum subjects are extensive. The before-school sports clubs bustle with pupils keen to participate. In addition to sports clubs, a range of activities is available, providing something for everyone. Pupils also benefit from a range of external speakers to complement the learning taking place in lessons. For example, during 'Black Excellence Week', a national news reporter spoke to all pupils in assemblies.

What the school should improve

• Some school policies are not implemented consistently across the school. This leads to some variability between what leaders expect and what is upheld in practice. The school must check that all policies in place have been clearly understood by all staff to reduce this variability in curriculum implementation and expected conduct.
• Some groups of pupils are not attending school as regularly as they should. This means that they are at risk of falling behind in their education. The school must ensure that the actions that leaders are taking to improve attendance are carefully monitored and that adjustments are made quickly where actions are not leading to the intended impact.
• Some pupils in the school share concerns about low-level disruption. A small number are not confident that staff respond effectively to their concerns. The school must evaluate the approaches that leaders use to communicate important messages to pupils to assure them that their concerns are handled appropriately.

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