Ellis Guilford School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 June 2023

This is a school where everyone is given the chance to belong and succeed. Pupils learn in calm classrooms. They feel safe and cared for in school. They enjoy social times. Many older pupils comment on how much the school has improved since they started. Leaders and staff have high expectations of everyone. Clear routines, rewards and sanctions help pupils to meet these expectations. The vast majority of pupils behave well in lessons and around school. They do not worry about bullying. If it happens, they report it, and staff deal with it. A small minority of pupils disrupt learning or are disrespectful. Staff respond quickly, and learning continues. Pupils who need it get high-quality support to improve their behaviour. Pupils study a broad curriculum. Most pupils take lessons seriously. They want to do well. They are inspired by past pupils who visit to tell them about their careers as engineers or in the media. Pupils appreciate the wide range of clubs and activities the school provides. For example, any pupil in Year 7 can learn to play a musical instrument. They enjoy manga, debating and board game clubs. Leaders and staff are very proud of pupils' recent sporting success.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not give pupils enough opportunities to discuss their learning in lessons. As a result, pupils do not have the chance to fully develop their understanding. Leaders must ensure that teachers promote appropriate discussion so that pupils can deepen their understanding and apply this consistently and confidently in high-quality work.
• Pupils' conduct when they move around the school does not always meet the school's high expectations. Sometimes, corridors are noisy, and some pupils are boisterous until staff intervene. Leaders should persist in their work to ensure that pupils learn to self-regulate so that they do not disrupt the daily life of the school.

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