Redborne Upper School and Community College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 July 2024

Pupils and students talk positively about attending the school. Older students welcome the support and encouragement they experience. They act as positive role models. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are enthusiastic about the support they receive. Pupils achieve well in public examinations. They typically work hard in lessons because of the expectations of staff. Sixth-form students learn to be independent. They benefit from, and value, engaging with and supporting charity events. The school is a calm place. The sense of community encourages pupils to behave appropriately. Pupils are well looked after. They make it clear that unkindness is not something that is tolerated. Any inappropriate behaviour is challenged quickly and effectively. Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities outside the school, including residential trips to Iceland, Germany, and Italy. Pupils have the opportunity to visit the National Gallery and theatres. More widely, the school's farm and 'emotional support dog' ensures that pupils build confidence and can participate fully in school life.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, pupils' understanding is not routinely checked systematically, and misconceptions are not always identified accurately. The quality of pupils' work is not consistently high. As a result, some pupils, particularly those that are disadvantaged, do not learn as well as they could. The school should ensure that the approach to checking pupils' understanding is rigorous and consistent.
• Too many vulnerable pupils are still absent too often. This has an impact on their achievement. The school must ensure that the systems in place to reduce levels of persistent absence are implemented robustly in all year groups.

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