Haberdashers' Adams

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 May 2022

This is a school at which staff provide high levels of both academic and pastoral care. The house system sits at the heart of school life. Pupils enjoy the various ways in which they can represent their house and the opportunities they are given to celebrate success. Pupils have a strong sense of belonging at the school and described the house system as like 'being part of a family'. Pupils behave exceptionally well. They are mature, articulate young adults who show a hunger for learning. At break- and lunchtimes, pupils play together sensibly and are polite and respectful to both staff and their peers. Bullying is extremely rare and, when it does occur, it is dealt with swiftly by staff. Leaders are keen that pupils extend their learning at key stage 3 beyond their curriculum subjects. In Year 8, pupils have a 'world affairs' lecture once a week, and in Year 9, pupils complete an independent learning qualification. Pupils can select from a wide range of subjects at both GCSE and A level and achieve very well. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They recognise and value the support their children are given. As one parent commented in response to Ofsted's survey, 'My son has flourished at this school both academically and emotionally.'

What the school should improve

• In some subjects at key stage 3, the curriculum is not coherently planned and sequenced. This means that it is unclear how pupils build their knowledge across topics and secure their understanding of key concepts over time. Leaders should ensure that all subjects at key stage 3 are effectively planned and sequenced, so that pupils can deepen their knowledge and understanding further.
• The RSE curriculum is not planned or delivered well enough. Leaders have not considered effectively how pupils develop their understanding of key topics, such as healthy relationships, in an age-appropriate way. As a result, some pupils do not understand these topics as well as they might. Leaders should ensure that they plan an appropriate RSE curriculum and that teachers implement this effectively, so that pupils develop a secure knowledge of RSE topics.
• Trustees and governors have not sufficiently held leaders to account for aspects of the school's work. This means that there are some parts of the curriculum relating to pupils' personal development that are not as well developed as they should be. Trustees and governors should provide greater scrutiny of the school's work in this area so that the school continues to progress and move forward.

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