Ferndown Upper School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

Pupils are happy and safe at Ferndown Upper School. This is reflected in their regular attendance. Pupils value the positive relationships they have with staff. Pupils have trusted adults they can talk to if they have any worries. Bullying is rare. When unkind behaviour does occur, staff deal with it quickly and effectively. Pupils behave exceedingly well. Leaders' approach to promoting positive behaviour means that classrooms are calm and purposeful. Pupils respond promptly to staff instructions and focus intently on their learning. Around the school, pupils are friendly and respectful. They cooperate well with each other and show pride in their school community. Students in the sixth form are excellent role models to younger pupils. Pupils enjoy their learning and achieve highly, particularly in national examinations at the end of key stage 4 and in vocational subjects in the post-16 provision. Teaching is effective and helps pupils to develop secure knowledge and understanding across subjects. Pupils value opportunities to discuss ideas and ask questions. These help to build their confidence. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported expertly to overcome any barriers to their learning. They make impressive progress from their starting points. Pupils benefit from a comprehensive range of opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. These include music and drama performances, visits to theatres and museums, academic clubs and sporting activities. Pupils also take part in visits to places of worship, which help them to deepen their understanding of different faiths and cultures. Enrichment opportunities are central to life in the sixth form. Students engage in activities both locally and nationally, leading events and raising money for selected charities. These experiences help to ensure that pupils are incredibly well prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff adapt their delivery of the curriculum consistently well for pupils with any barriers to their learning, so that these pupils benefit from high-quality support to learn successfully in all subjects.
• Leaders should build on their improvements in the sixth form, including ensuring teaching is consistently effective, so that students taking A levels make consistently strong progress from their starting points.

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