Platanos College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 October 2021

Pupils enjoy school and the wide range of opportunities to follow their interests, both in lessons and through clubs, workshops, and other events. Leaders want the curriculum to reflect new and modern subjects. This is so it is relevant to pupils' future study and employment. Teachers set high expectations of what pupils can learn and do and they help pupils to achieve. There are strong relationships between pupils and adults. This helps to make a school community which is focused on learning and a pleasant atmosphere around the school. Adults set high expectations and pupils develop positive attitudes to learning. Pupils behave well and there is very little bullying. If there is, adults respond and take action. Pupils feel safe and learn how to stay safe in a variety of contexts. Pupils personal development is promoted through the 'Portfolio for Life'. This is the school's own curriculum delivered through lessons, tutor time and assemblies. It includes personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and as well as relationships and sex education. Pupils are taught to understand themselves, their community and wider society. The course encourages pupils to develop into confident and considerate young people. There are many opportunities for pupils to develop and use their leadership skills in school.

What the school should improve

• Some subjects are not covered in sufficient depth at key stage 3 because of the 'taster option' arrangements. This is also the case for design and technology and food technology. Geography is not currently available after Year 9. Leaders should review the curriculum, and make sure that the balance of breadth and depth in subjects is aligned with their ambition for pupils. It is clear that leaders are already taking action and that some of this work was delayed by COVID-19. For this reason, the transitional arrangements have been applied.
• Leaders' and trustees' oversight of the quality of education is not as strong as other aspects of their work. They have not made sure that in all respects the school's curriculum meets their ambitions for pupils. Trustees have not sufficiently challenged leaders about curriculum decisions. Trustees and leaders should take action to ensure that pupils study a broad range of subjects in depth in Years 7 to 9.

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