Matravers School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 September 2022

Pupils are very positive about the quality of education at Matravers School. They enjoy learning and are eager to do well. Pupils are particularly enthusiastic about the extra-curricular opportunities at the school. For example, many pupils are proud to be a part of the Combined Cadet Force. Pupils enrich their learning of art, music and sport through a range of clubs. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, receive a breadth of tailored careers guidance. Pupils and sixth-form students are well prepared to continue on to further education, apprenticeships and work. Pupils feel safe and well cared for at the school. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. Pupils state that they know what to do if they have a concern and are confident that staff will help. Bullying is rare at the school but pupils state that when it occurs, staff resolve it quickly. There is a calm, harmonious learning environment, both in lessons and around the school site. Leaders and staff have embedded routines well. Pupils are kind and respectful towards each other. Students in the sixth form are proud of the school. They state that they enjoy learning and feel well supported.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not ensured the effective teaching of reading and writing through subject curriculums. Some pupils, including pupils with SEND and pupils in receipt of pupil premium funding, cannot read and write about the curriculum successfully. Leaders must ensure that all staff explicitly teach the reading and writing requirements of their subjects so that all pupils can learn well.
• The PEPs for children looked after have not been completed in a timely and appropriate manner. Therefore, leaders and staff may not be able to identify the bespoke needs of such pupils. Leaders must ensure that the PEPs, a statutory document for children looked after, are completed routinely and appropriately.

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