Morpeth School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 March 2023

Pupils have rich opportunities to broaden their experiences and to build their confidence at this school. Leaders provide a broad and varied curriculum. Leaders ensure that every pupil has the chance to receive instrumental music lessons and go on residential outings and on visits to universities. Pupils are safe and happy. Leaders regularly survey pupils' views and respond to what they say. For example, leaders have responded to pupils' feedback to improve pupils' experience of lunchtimes. Pupils appreciate being listened to by leaders and comment they feel they are taken seriously. Sixth-form students speak very highly of their experience of education here. They benefit from expert teaching and excellent pastoral care. Leaders provide many varied experiences to students, including outings, visiting speakers and opportunities to learn about their next steps. Pupils are generally well behaved. Leaders deal with bullying or aggressive behaviour swiftly and effectively when it does occur. Pupils are typically respectful and focused on their learning, although, occasionally, behaviour disturbs pupils' learning in class and can sometimes be unsettled around the school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders do not check systematically that the planned curriculum is being taught in its intended detail. As a result, some pupils follow the intended curriculum in detail, whereas others follow it less securely. Leaders should check systematically that all pupils in all classes follow the curriculum as intended.
• Occasionally, teachers do not check carefully that pupils have the prior knowledge required to attempt tasks that involve learning new concepts that build on or use what has come before. As a result, pupils are sometimes unable to learn new content without guessing or using trial and error. Leaders should ensure that teachers routinely identify any gaps or misconceptions before moving on to new learning.
• Leaders have recently introduced new approaches to further improve the approach to managing pupils' behaviour. Leaders should continue to reinforce new approaches so that they are routinely adopted by all staff.

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