Shaftesbury High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 May 2025

Shaftesbury is a warm and welcoming school. Pupils feel safe and well supported. Expectations for behaviour and academic success are high. Staff are committed to ensuring pupils across all pathways, including in the sixth form, achieve well. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They are kind and considerate to others. This creates a calm, respectful environment where learning can flourish. Staff understanding pupils' unique and complex needs. This, along with an aspirational curriculum, ensures pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education. A personalised approach to teaching and carefully targeted interventions help pupils develop a deeper understanding of themselves. As a result, pupils are increasingly able to express their preferences and communicate what they understand. The school's provision for personal development is exceptional and plays a major role in preparing pupils effectively for the future. Staff carefully plan rich and meaningful experiences that help pupils grow in their understanding of the local area and beyond. Regular visits to local shops, parks and other community settings are highly valued by pupils. They relish these opportunities and thrive as a result. Experiences such as, travel training, work experience and community engagement further support pupils' readiness for adulthood.

What the school should improve

• In a few wider curriculum subjects, aspects of curriculum design are not fully embedded. Where this is the case, it can affect how well pupils develop a secure understanding in these areas. The school needs to continue its work on consolidating key skills and deepening pupils' understanding in these subjects.

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