Hanborough Manor CofE School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 May 2023

Leaders' vision to 'nurture, educate and inspire' pupils is lived out in day-to-day life in this school. Everyone wants the best for pupils and all are encouraged to shine in their own unique way. As one pupil explained, 'It would be boring if we were all the same.' Pupils achieve well, enjoy learning and are keen to do their best. The school is a happy, cohesive community. Pupils get on well with each other and their teachers. They describe their school as friendly and caring. Pupils appreciate that the school's 'ready, respectful, safe' rules are there for everyone's well-being and safety. They learn the importance of treating others as they would wish to be treated. Pupils are encouraged to be active citizens and take on leadership roles such as play leaders, prefects or school councillors. Many happily give up their time to help and support others by organising lunchtime activities. A wide range of special events foster pupils' sense of belonging and community spirit. Musical performances and sporting competitions enhance pupils' enjoyment and learning. Older pupils enthuse about the adventurous activities they encounter on their residential visits, including climbing, caving and kayaking.

What the school should improve

• In a minority of foundation subjects, leaders have not been clear enough about the most important things they want pupils to learn and remember. This means that staff do not have enough guidance about what they need to teach and what is important to check that pupils have remembered. As a result, pupils are not building their knowledge consistently well enough or making meaningful connections with what they already know. Leaders need to make more explicit the most important concepts and knowledge pupils must learn and remember in these subjects.
• In some foundation subjects, teachers do not always design learning activities that align well with or help pupils to learn the intended curriculum. Pupils' attention is sometimes diverted to the activity and away from what they most need to learn and remember. Leaders should make sure that staff have the guidance they need to enable them to implement the curriculum fully effectively in all subjects.

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