Shiras Devorah High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 September 2024

Pupils describe the school as a very caring community and one in which they are happy. They really enjoy their learning and meeting up with friends. Pupils get along well with one another and bullying is rare. Staff know pupils well and they are there to support anyone that may have a concern or worry. Pupils know they can speak to their form tutors if they have any problems. This makes them feel safe in school. Pupils study a range of secular subjects and complete a broad selection of GCSE and vocational qualifications in these curriculum areas. The school has high expectations for all pupils. It focuses on successfully preparing pupils for their progression to the next stage of their education. The school's work to ensure that pupils learn well across the curriculum has, to date, been effective in some subjects. For example, the school has carefully identified the key knowledge and skills that it wants pupils to know and remember in subjects like English and mathematics. However, this work on the curriculum is not complete in all subjects. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They are enthusiastic about their learning and are very attentive in lessons. Teachers have clear routines in class and pupils settle quickly to complete their work. As a result, pupils can focus on their learning with no disruption.

What the school should improve

• The school has not made sure that the curriculum in all subject areas is sequenced in a way that helps pupils to build their knowledge step by step and apply what they know to more complex ideas. Where this work has not been done on the curriculum, pupils find it harder to learn new concepts because they do not have the building blocks of knowledge needed to access this learning. The school should ensure that all subjects are sequenced so that pupils learn the knowledge that they require to successfully understand future learning.
• In some instances, staff do not get the training that they need to implement the curriculum effectively. Sometimes, staff expertise in key subject knowledge or the pedagogical knowledge of how best to teach a topic is underdeveloped. As a result, pupils struggle to learn key concepts. The school should ensure that it identifies and puts in place the support that staff need to implement the intended curriculum to all pupils effectively, including those with SEND.
• The curriculum for RSE does not take full account of what is required by the statutory guidance, for example about different forms of relationships. The PSHE programme does not promote respect for those with protected characteristics. The school should ensure that all aspects of its approach to RSE and PSHE are planned and implemented in a manner that pays regard to the statutory guidance for RSE and the independent school standards.
• The proprietor and leaders have not ensured that all the independent school standards have been met. The proprietor must ensure that all the independent school standards are consistently met.

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