Ridgeway Secondary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 May 2025

Ridgeway Secondary School sets high expectations, which pupils meet. Daily routines are simple and fair. Corridors are calm and disruption is rare. Pupils know what is expected of them, and their attitudes to learning are exceptional. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), have exemplary attendance. They know their daily attendance matters, reflecting their commitment to learning. Ridgeway is a place where pupils want to be. The 'Ridgeway 360' award is more than a motto. It offers pupils high-quality personal development, guiding them to become well-rounded individuals. At this school, mental health matters as much as academic success. Pupils value how the school helps them grow. In lessons, staff reward positive attitudes. This motivates pupils to be resilient and keep going. This resilience pays off. They are proud of their achievements. 'Ridgeway 360' inspires them to 'give their best today and better tomorrow'. Through the school's rich and wider offer, pupils participate in sports, residential trips, voluntary work and university taster days. These experiences broaden their horizons and build their confidence. In this small school, pupils look out for one another. Staff know them as individuals, and someone is always available to listen. Pupils feel safe.

What the school should improve

• The school does not consistently check that pupils' understanding of the curriculum is secure. Therefore, some misconceptions and errors are not identified or addressed, which leads to gaps in pupils' knowledge. The school should ensure that there is a consistent approach to establishing if pupils have learned the intended curriculum content so that any gaps in learning can be effectively addressed.

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