King David High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 November 2022

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, appreciate the close-knit nature of the school community. This helps them to get to know each other. Leaders and staff want all pupils and students to do their best. They achieve well across a range of subjects and are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training. Most pupils are happy and enjoy school. They feel safe. Pupils know who to speak to if they want to share a concern. Any incidents of bullying are dealt with well. Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils typically behave well. In lessons, pupils listen attentively and follow instructions. They socialise well together during breaktimes and lunchtimes. Students in the sixth form act as exemplary role models for other pupils in the school. The school's Jewish ethos is threaded through the curriculum. Pupils spoke positively about a range of clubs, including chess, drama and music, that they can attend. They benefit from the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and trips to the theatre and art galleries. Older pupils have opportunities to take on positions of responsibility, for example on the school council. Students in the sixth form support younger pupils with reading and by acting as mentors.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, in a few subjects, some teachers do not use assessment strategies well enough to check that what has been taught has been properly understood and retained. This means that teachers move on to new content without making sure that pupils have secured their previous learning. This hinders pupils from achieving as well as they should. Leaders should ensure that teachers use assessment strategies effectively to address pupils' errors and misconceptions so that pupils can build their knowledge over time on firm foundations.
• In the sixth form, some aspects of the personal development curriculum related to healthy relationships are not implemented consistently well. This limits how well students are prepared for their future lives. Leaders should ensure that they enhance this aspect of the personal development programme so that students are better prepared for their future.

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