St Laurence School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 December 2022

Pupils enjoy attending St Laurence School. Leaders have high expectations of pupils. As a result, pupils say this helps them to learn. Leaders plan carefully for pupils' learning as they move through each stage at the school. This means pupils are well prepared for each stage of their learning. Pupils feel safe in school and behave well. They say that bullying does sometimes happen, but that staff are good at dealing with it. A team of well-trained staff promote pupils' well- being and mental health. Pupils recognise this and feel well supported by them. The school's tutor groups include pupils from every year group from Years 7 to 13. Pupils value this system. It helps them to learn from and with pupils of different ages. Students in the sixth form feel academically challenged and well supported. They are very engaged in the wider life of the school. For example, sixth-form students provide support for younger pupils. Leaders prioritise pupils' wider development. In particular, 'learning outside the classroom' is a part of the wider curriculum. For example, over a hundred pupils complete the Duke of Edinburgh award programme each year. Staff lead many different activities during and beyond the school day. These are very well attended by pupils.

What the school should improve

• In some areas of the curriculum, pupils do not retain the depth and range of knowledge they have been taught well enough. As a result, some pupils do not learn as much as they could. Leaders should help teachers to develop strategies that enable pupils to know more and remember more.

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