High Wycombe Church of England Combined School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 April 2023

Leaders, staff and pupils are proud of their friendly, welcoming school. There is a strong sense of belonging in this vibrant learning community. Pupils feel happy and safe. Bullying rarely happens. If pupils have a worry, they can tell any adult, who they know will help. Classrooms are calm places where pupils focus on learning. Pupils listen respectfully and are well behaved in lessons. They are enthusiastic about their learning. They respond well to teachers' high expectations, enabling them to achieve well. Pupils value the trips they go on, which helps to make learning memorable and real. They enjoy the opportunities of performing in assemblies, at local theatres and churches. Pupils enjoy participating in the wide range of clubs on offer. These include science, art and creative writing. They also value the football sessions run by Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. These provide opportunities for pupils to learn new skills and develop their talents. Staff encourage pupils to take on areas of responsibility within the school. School councillors are active and have input in school decisions. Pupils relish being peer mentors, sports captains and a member of the pupil worship team. They feel valued and know that their voice is heard.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of foundation subjects, leaders and teachers do not always use assessment as well as they could. This slows down the identification of gaps in individual pupil's knowledge and hinders progress. Leaders need to develop effective ways of using assessment in these areas so that pupils learn and remember more.

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