Sawston Village College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2023

Sawston is a welcoming, friendly and caring school. Leaders and teachers share high expectations of what pupils can achieve. They seek to 'unlock potential' in all learners, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school's 'CARE' values of community, ambition, respect and endeavour are apparent in all aspects of school life. Pupils are happy at this school and say that they feel safe. They behave well. They are polite and courteous to visitors. They move around the school calmly. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils say that when it does happen, teachers deal with it swiftly and decisively. Some pupils are anti-bullying ambassadors, and are well trained to support other pupils. A strong ethos of pupil leadership abounds. For example, Year 8 'housemates' help Year 7 pupils settle in. The pupil senate and its associated forums, led by Year 11 pupils, has an active voice in influencing school priorities. The school is rightly proud of its enduring tradition of strong music and performing arts provision. Many pupils also take full advantage of the wide variety of other enrichment activities and visits available. These include sports and languages clubs, a book club, BAME club, STEM club and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

What the school should improve

• A few pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, do not attend school regularly enough. They miss too much learning and do not benefit fully from the school's strong wider curriculum. Leaders should ensure that their approaches to promoting good attendance result in these pupils attending school regularly.
• Sometimes, teachers' explanations are not clear. As a result, some pupils do not fully understand what they have been taught. Leaders should continue to make the minor readjustments needed to their curriculum plans so all pupils fully understand teachers' explanations.

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