Finham Park School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 January 2025

Finham Park is a highly inclusive school where everyone is valued and expectations are high for pupils to achieve well. Pupils and staff embody the school's values, which include humility and kindness. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. Pupils speak positively about the support they receive from staff and enjoy their learning. The majority of pupils work hard and achieve well. Pupils feel safe and say they are happy in school. There is a purposeful atmosphere around the school. Pupils focus on their learning well. The majority of pupils show respectful and positive behaviours during structured lesson times. During unstructured times, such as breaktimes and lunchtimes, they behave sensibly. Where pupils' behaviour is not acceptable, staff speak with them to explain the school's high expectations. This maintains the positive behaviours around the school. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils' personal development. This includes mental health and well-being. Pupils can clearly explain their understanding of diversity and equality in society. Leadership opportunities include pupil subject ambassadors and sports leaders. The extra-curricular programme is rich and diverse. Pupils regularly take part in activities such as debating, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and robotics.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects some teachers do not effectively identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding nor consistently give them feedback on how to improve their work. As a result, some misconceptions initially go unnoticed and some pupils do not always know how they can improve their knowledge and understanding. The school should ensure that all teachers use assessment well to identify and address pupils' knowledge gaps, ensuring all teachers give pupils clear feedback on what they need to do to improve.
• The school's high expectations for pupils' behaviour and conduct are not always realised. Learning in a small number of lessons is hindered by low-level disruption. This can hinder some pupils' progress and their enjoyment of school. The school should ensure that its well-established routines for behaviour are applied consistently in all lessons so that pupils can learn well in every subject.

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