Melksham Oak Community School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 October 2022

There is a growing culture of ambition and raised aspirations at the school. Leaders have established expectations and routines that help pupils to behave. Most pupils respond well to the high expectations that are set for them. Lessons are calm. The atmosphere at social times is organised. Many staff are present to support pupils at these times. Pupils feel safe at school. Pupils attend a large range of extra-curricular clubs, from knitting to eco-club. Pupils feed back through a forum and leaders listen. A fitness club has now started as a result of pupils' requests. Sixth-form students follow a well-considered and wide enrichment programme, for example learning to make bread. This prepares them for success in their next steps and the opportunity to develop life skills. Most pupils say that when bullying happens, it is dealt with, yet some pupils feel that it is not always managed as promptly as it could be. A minority of pupils use derogatory language. Pupils say that this is dealt with well by staff. However, some pupils would like leaders to do more to address this. Pupils and staff respect each other.

What the school should improve

• In some subject areas, the curriculum has not been planned thoroughly to consider the steps of learning pupils need to take. As a result, pupils do not understand the learning. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum in all subjects is carefully thought through so that teachers are clear about its content and how the pupils' learning informs the next part of the curriculum.
• Leaders have improved behaviour at the school. However, some pupils and staff are concerned about the use of derogatory language among a small group of pupils. Leaders, staff and pupils need to work together to ensure that there is a positive culture of respect.

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