Studio West

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 December 2024

Pupils' experience at Studio West has not been positive over time. They do not achieve well in external examinations. This limits their options when they leave the school. Prior to recent changes, pupils did not enjoy an ambitious and suitable curriculum. Now, there are signs of effective improvements. Many pupils are happy in the school. They are safe. Pupils speak about how they are learning more. They are also beginning to engage in a wider curriculum that broadens their horizons. Pupils study a wide range of subjects. Their subject curriculums are well thought through. Many pupils' outcomes in English and mathematics are getting better. The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve. Many pupils recognise and appreciate the changes the school is putting in place. Pupils' behaviour is improving. Clear and consistent systems to manage behaviour are in place. The school supports pupils to learn from their mistakes. However, some pupils' behaviour still causes disruption. Pupils who are removed from lessons or suspended miss vital learning opportunities. As behaviour improves, pupils' personal development opportunities are also increasing. Pupils enjoy being part of the school production. They also talk animatedly about 'elective education'. Here, they experience a range of activities in mixed-age groups during the school day. This helps develop social skills and build relationships with staff.

What the school should improve

• Until recently, the curriculum has been weak. Pupils have significant gaps in their learning. The school should take further steps to address gaps in pupils' learning so that new learning builds on stronger foundations.
• In some aspects of the improved curriculum, the knowledge pupils should know and remember is not clear enough or ambitious enough. Some pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, do not build appropriately sophisticated knowledge over time. The school should ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are clearly mapped out and suitably ambitious so pupils can achieve well.
• Disadvantaged pupils' attendance and attainment are not high enough. Some pupils miss too much learning and attain outcomes well below their peers nationally. The school should continue its work to remove barriers to pupils' engagement and achievement in school to support improved outcomes over time.
• The school's work to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain is not developed enough. Pupils lack understanding about fundamental British values and are not well informed about different faiths and cultures. The school should review and adapt its work on promoting fundamental British values to strengthen pupils' preparation for life in modern Britain.
• Leaders and governors have not fully implemented, reviewed and embedded their ambitious plans for school improvement. As a result, pupils do not achieve well overall. The school should continue its work to develop leaders and governors so they can enact rapid school improvement.

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