Redbridge Community School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 July 2023

Pupils are proud to attend Redbridge Community School. The school is an important beacon in the local area with a strong sense of community. Pupils respond well to the values of aspiration, excellence, respect and opportunity which permeate the school. They feel well cared for and safe because staff are always available to talk about their worries. Strong relationships are the bedrock of the school. One pupil said, 'The school is like another little home.' Leaders have high expectations of pupils' learning and conduct. Pupils are welcoming, polite and courteous. Bullying is rare and always followed up. Staff want the very best for their pupils. They celebrate pupils' achievements regularly. Pupils respond by behaving well and being respectful of each other. They collaborate well, enjoy each other's company and celebrate each other's differences. Pupils have exceptional personal development opportunities. The vast array of clubs, trips and events are impressive. There is a strong focus on outdoor education. For example, pupils can use the school's climbing wall and learn 'bushcraft'. Pupils can develop their leadership skills by becoming prefects and sports leaders. As one parent said, 'This school has brought out the best in my child.'

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers do not use assessment strategies effectively enough to check that pupils have understood or remember what they have been taught. This can lead to pupils developing misconceptions in their understanding or gaps in their learning. Leaders should ensure that all teachers carefully check what pupils know and understand to help pupils confidently learn the intended curriculum.
• Sometimes, teachers do not take sufficient account of what pupils already know and can do. This means that the learning activities planned are not always as ambitious as they might be to help pupils confidently learn and achieve well. Leaders should ensure that teachers plan activities that build successfully on what pupils know, so that more pupils have the knowledge they need for their next stage of the education, training or employment.
• Not all pupils attend as regularly as they should, especially disadvantaged pupils. This means that they miss out on valuable learning opportunities. Leaders should continue to prioritise their work with families, so that pupils attend more regularly.

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