Hedingham School and Sixth Form

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 March 2023

At Hedingham School, pupils are polite and respectful. They demonstrate the school values of being 'ready, respectful and safe' in their everyday school life. Pupils have positive relationships with staff who know them well. A typical pupils' view is that 'the school values shape us into adults.' Pupils generally behave well around school. Bullying rarely occurs. If it happens, pupils know that leaders take it seriously and will address it promptly. Pupils are confident to share concerns regarding this with school staff. Pupils celebrate inclusivity and individuality through a range of events across the year. Pupils receive a broad range of experiences beyond the taught curriculum. Pupils receive meaningful advice from employers and training providers. For example, the regular 'guess who' event where pupils meet people from different jobs in the local community and learn more about their industry. Pupils praise the information they get on careers education. There are a wide range of clubs, teams, and leadership opportunities for pupils. For example, student council which enables pupils to share their ideas with the schools' leaders on matters, such as uniform and ecology projects. Pupils state that they value these opportunities.

What the school should improve

• The personal development curriculum does not have the same expectations for learning and assessment as other curriculum areas across the school. As a result, leaders cannot be certain that pupils, including in the sixth form, are retaining and understanding what they are being taught. Leaders need to ensure teachers are clear about the expectations to develop pupils' personal development well. Leaders need to ensure staff know how to check pupils' understanding in these lessons and assure themselves this is happening, so pupils are better prepared for their future in modern Britain.

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