St Lawrence School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 June 2023

Leaders and staff know each pupil extremely well. They are skilled in providing pupils with well-matched, yet challenging, lessons in a broad range of subjects. Pupils gain qualifications in, for example, English, mathematics and other vocational subjects. Pupils are supported effectively to improve their social, emotional and communication skills. They get a good deal here. The vast majority of pupils behave well and follow sensible routines. Occasional instances of poor behaviour or bullying are dealt with swiftly and fairly. Pupils say that they are happy and feel safe here. They like, and show respect to, the staff. Pupils benefit greatly from the on-site, outdoor learning centre. Here, pupils learn to understand and care for a variety of animals. These include guinea pigs, chickens, horses, ponies and pigs. Pupils use their mathematical skills to accurately weigh out the animals' feed. Pupils benefit from a range of educational visits to local places of interest. They improve their self-confidence through working at the community café and interacting in shops. A 'fun club' operates at lunchtime. However, there are limited opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have yet to map out the precise knowledge, skills and vocabulary they want pupils to learn, and when, in a small number of subjects. Consequently, teachers are not always exactly sure what they should be teaching. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is mapped and sequenced in all subjects so that teachers know precisely what they are teaching and when.
• Provision for pupils' personal development is not as strong as it might be. Pupils do not have enough opportunities to develop their talents and interests, nor do some pupils have a strong enough knowledge of faiths and cultures that are different to their own. Leaders should ensure that pupils have increased opportunities to pursue their talents and interests and that the curriculum offers pupils further opportunities to deepen their understanding of faith and cultures that are different to their own.

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