Sir John Leman High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 April 2026

Pupils enjoy being part of this welcoming and inclusive school. Pupils feel valued and treated as individuals. They enjoy warm, caring relationships with staff. Pupils are confident that they will receive the support they need to succeed. Pupils take pride in the school’s values. Staff make every effort to ensure that pupils achieve their potential. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils enjoy attending school and most do so regularly. In general, pupils achieve well. Those who experience barriers to learning benefit from tailored support and teaching that is generally adapted to suit needs. Pupils feel safe at school. They know how to access help and support if they need it. Bullying is rare. Pupils have confidence that staff will act to deal with any concerns they raise. They trust staff to listen to them and to act in their best interests. Pupils benefit from a diverse and inclusive programme of enrichment opportunities. These help pupils to broaden their horizons and learn new skills. Pupils develop a sense of teamwork and community through events such as house competitions and fundraising activities. These opportunities extend into the sixth form. Post-16 students are important role models for younger pupils. They contribute to the aspirational culture of the school. Pupils are well prepared for life beyond school. They value the opportunity to take on leadership responsibilities and contribute positively to their community. Pupils represent their school, for example, in sports teams and leadership roles. There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere across the school. This comes from a shared understanding of rules and the high expectations set by staff. Pupils work hard in class and focus on their work. As a result, learning is rarely disrupted.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers have the expertise to implement a whole-school approach to writing and spelling which is embedded across all key stages.
• Leaders should continue to use their thorough analysis of post-16 students’ learning and performance to inform adaptations to teaching and the curriculum to improve students’ outcomes.

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