Gildredge House

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 October 2024

Pupils strive to uphold the school's core values of ASPIRE (Ambition, Support, Perseverance, Integrity, Reflection and Empathy). Pupils treat each other with courtesy and respect, understanding the importance of inclusivity. Pupils feel safe and well cared for. They trust caring adults to help them if they need it. Vibrant classrooms are calm and orderly, meaning pupils learn well. Pupils typically enjoy learning because staff celebrate pupils' efforts and achievements. A clear sense of purpose is palpable in all that pupils and staff do. The school has been through some rapid changes recently and pupils recognise that expectations of them have increased. Clear and consistent routines ensure that pupils behave in a kind way. Older pupils are role models for younger children in the school. Pupils attend school well because they value what the school offers them. Many pupils engage with the exciting clubs on offer, such as recording their own podcasts for the school ASPIRE radio station. Parents and carers, staff and pupils speak positively about the sense of community and belonging that the school exudes. One parent, representing the views of many said, 'My child feels valued and understood, which has made a huge difference in their confidence and development.'

What the school should improve

• The school's approaches to check on how well pupils learn are not yet fully developed and embedded. This means that pupils do not consistently benefit from all the school has to offer. The school should continue to refine its assessment and assurance approaches to check how well pupils learn and enable staff to evaluate the schools' curriculum and wider provision.
• At times, learning is not suitably adapted in response to gaps in pupils' knowledge and skills. This means some pupils do not learn as well as they should. Leaders should ensure that all staff have the expertise and training that they need to design learning that meets the needs of pupils, enabling pupils to achieve all that they are capable of.

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