Northstowe Learning Community

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 March 2023

The well-being of pupils is a priority at Northstowe Secondary College. Pupils are happy. If pupils have a problem, there is always an adult that they can turn to. Pupils feel they benefit from the reassurance staff offer and other strategies provided, such as access to Oscar the dog. Expectations are high for both behaviour and how well pupils achieve. Pupils develop and deepen their knowledge because their teachers plan and explain new learning clearly. In lessons, pupils behave positively. They listen carefully to their teachers and to each other. They are ready to work. Pupils know how to behave. Their teachers deal with any rare instances of negative behaviour swiftly. Most pupils say that bullying is rare. When bullying occurs, pupils tell adults, and it is dealt with. Pupils appreciate how teachers reward them for their achievements and conduct. This motivates them to do their best. Pupils are respectful to those who are different from them because they are taught important values. The vast majority of parents are very pleased with the quality of education the school provides.

What the school should improve

• In some areas of the curriculum, some teachers do not systematically check how well pupils are learning in lessons. As a result of this, teachers do not identify gaps in learning, and pupils continue to make the same mistakes. Consequently, pupils do not achieve as well. Leaders need to ensure that staff have the secure expertise to consistently check for gaps in learning and for pupils' misunderstandings. This will help pupils to learn as well as they should.

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