Old Swinford Hospital

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 April 2026

Pupils are proud to attend this welcoming and inclusive school. Many parents and carers commented on how their child 'thrives' at the school. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged are included in all aspects of school life. Pupils are safe in school and know they have many caring staff members they can talk to if they have any worries. Bullying is very rare, and if it does occur, staff deal with any issues swiftly and effectively. Pupils and students in the sixth form have high attendance. Pupil numbers have increased significantly since the last inspection, and the school is now fully coeducational. Female pupils and students have integrated well into the school. Pupils are highly respectful to each other and towards staff. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils enjoy learning at school. Typically, teachers deliver the curriculum well. Most teachers understand the barriers to learning that pupils have. Generally, teachers use strategies that help pupils to overcome these barriers. Pupils in key stage 4, including those who are disadvantaged, typically achieve above-average outcomes in public examinations. Sixth-form students attain in line with national averages. However, given many students’ previous achievements in key stage 4, their progress in the sixth form could be more marked. The school has an extensive and high quality enrichment programme in which many pupils and students take part. These help to develop pupils' talents and interests very well. For example, pupils enjoy taking part in the art and pottery clubs, chess, various sports clubs, the choir and orchestra. Furthermore, the school provides opportunities for pupils to develop their character through the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, and public speaking. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers in the sixth form are skilled at delivering the curriculum so that students achieve consistently well in public examinations.
• Leaders should ensure that staff have the precise information they need so that barriers to learning for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are swiftly and effectively addressed.
• Leaders should ensure that teaching effectively checks pupils understanding so that gaps in learning and misconceptions are swiftly resolved.
• Governors should ensure that leaders have the capacity needed to identify, monitor and act on priorities for improvement so that there are consistently strong standards across all areas of the school.

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