King Edward VI School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 October 2022

Leaders have high expectations for pupils and staff at King Edward VI School. Their ambition is that all pupils will thrive academically and succeed as global citizens in the world around them. Values of well-being, collaboration and aspiration underpin the community. This is a school of many pupils where the focus is the individual child. Staff get to know the pupils well and all are welcome and included. Most pupils feel that staff help them to do their best and listen to what they have to say in lessons. Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is particularly good. Behaviour in class and around the school is very strong. Pupils feel that staff work hard to help them to do their best. Most pupils enjoy their time at school. Consequently, they attend well, are punctual to lessons and work hard. Reported bullying incidents are quickly investigated, and staff will intervene when needed. Leaders and staff begin to prepare pupils for successful employment, training or education after school from Year 7 onwards. An impressive range of clubs and opportunities inspire pupils to develop their own interests and hobbies. Music lessons, bands and ensembles encourage creativity and the arts. Sports clubs and teams promote healthy lifestyles and competition.

What the school should improve

• Processes for commissioning and monitoring alternative provision placements are not yet robust enough. This means that, although pupils are safe and often benefit from the provision, leaders cannot always assure themselves that all pupils get the very best outcomes from their time at the alternative provision. Leaders should sharpen their commissioning arrangements so that the support provided by alternative providers is tailored more carefully to pupils' unique needs in the most timely manner.

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