Lawnswood School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 September 2023

Pupils are polite, friendly and respectful. They belong to a welcoming and inclusive school that seeks to know and understand them as individuals. The school has created a positive environment in which pupils feel happy and safe. Pupils' views and ideas contribute to the development of school life. The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement. It has developed a curriculum that reflects pupils' diverse backgrounds. This helps to engage pupils in their learning and motivates them to succeed. In lessons, pupils show positive attitudes to their work. The school raises pupils' aspirations further through strong links with universities and employers. This is a calm and orderly school where pupils form positive relationships with each other and with staff. Pupils know the standards of behaviour expected of them. They also know the consequences of not meeting those standards. Staff address any misbehaviour, including low-level disruption to learning, appropriately. Pupils behave well. The school provides pupils with a wide range of opportunities to develop their talents and interests. Pupils take part in research projects and enjoy visits to places of cultural interest. There are many clubs, including sports, drama, art and enterprise. Pupils enjoy the school's culture day, where they celebrate their diverse cultures and ethnicities.

What the school should improve

• In some lessons, including in the sixth form, teachers' questioning and choice of activity do not systematically secure and extend pupils' knowledge and understanding. This means that some pupils do not acquire a coherent body of knowledge or gain the depth of understanding they need to attain highly. The school should ensure that teachers receive the training and development they need to use appropriate pedagogical strategies, such as effective questioning, to secure and extend pupils' knowledge and understanding.

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