Orion Coopers

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 March 2023

Pupils are safe around the large school site. They know that bullying is not tolerated, and that staff swiftly intervene to resolve any issues. Staff build positive working relationships with pupils and listen to any worries that they may have. Pupils are kind and respectful to others, including to new arrivals to the school. Sixth-form students act as role models for their younger peers. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), experience a broad and ambitious curriculum. Staff have high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. As a result, lessons are focused and rarely disrupted by off-task behaviour. Pupils are typically well prepared for the next stage of their education. A range of enrichment activities are available to pupils, including school productions, fashion club, cooking club and the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. End-of-year residential visits are designed to help pupils with their transition to new year groups. The school encourages pupils to build their leadership skills and help others. For example, sports leaders help younger pupils with physical education activities. Sixth-form students help younger pupils with their reading and volunteer to provide in-class support across the curriculum. Some students in the sixth form complete the 'Coopers Diploma,' which supports them with their academic writing skills.

What the school should improve

• The sequence of learning in a small number of subjects has not been as carefully thought through. As a result, pupils' knowledge and skills in these areas is not as secure as it is in other subjects. Leaders should continue to implement their plans to strengthen their curriculum thinking, so that pupils build the knowledge and skills that they need to acquire cumulatively across the range of different subjects.

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