Hampstead School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 April 2023

Pupils at this school benefit from a welcoming and inclusive ethos. Leaders have established a calm and purposeful learning environment where pupils are encouraged to 'think big, work hard and be kind'. Pupils respond well to this. They behave well in lessons and around the school, and they show respect to each other and to adults. Diversity is celebrated and unkind or discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated. Leaders have established a very carefully considered curriculum which is broad and balanced. Leaders and teachers make sure that this curriculum is accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Provision for these pupils is particularly strong. This rich curriculum prepares pupils well for the next steps in their education, training or employment. Sixth-form students achieve particularly well. Pupils are taught important life skills through a structured programme of personal, social, health, citizenship and relationships education. This helps pupils understand about relationships and about risks to their safety. A structured programme of careers education and advice helps pupils to make informed choices about their futures. This includes dedicated work experience for pupils in both Year 10 and Year 12.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, teachers do not select the most appropriate teaching task when delivering new content or checking pupils' understanding. This leads to some confusion and disengagement for pupils. It means that pupils do not progress through parts of the curriculum as intended. Leaders should make sure that teachers are further supported to select teaching and assessment activities that best support the delivery of new content and/or the checking of pupils' understanding.
• Many pupils do not take advantage of the range of enrichment opportunities that are on offer. This is more apparent as pupils get older, including in the sixth form. This means that pupils are missing out on opportunities to broaden their horizons and to develop new talents and interests. Leaders should implement strategies to increase participation in enrichment activities so that more pupils can benefit from a range of different experiences.

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