Swanwick Hall School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 January 2023

Leaders have ensured that the school's three core values are at the heart of everything that happens at Swanwick Hall School. These values are resilience, respect and inclusivity. Most pupils talk about feeling safe. They recognise key people who they could talk to, should they have a concern or a worry. The school has high expectations of all pupils. Pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. This includes a wide range of GCSE and A-level subjects. Younger pupils benefit from a timetabled enrichment programme which allows them to develop their talents and interests. The school's sixth-form provision is growing. One parent echoed the views of several when they stated that their child 'has good relationships with her teachers and pastoral manager in the sixth form'. Sixth-form students commented on how their teachers motivate them to do well. Leaders have recently introduced a new approach to the management of behaviour. This is beginning to have a positive impact. Some pupils and parents are not fully satisfied with the communication that they receive connected to behaviour. While many pupils feel that teachers deal with bullying effectively, this is not the case for all pupils.

What the school should improve

• All pupils, including those with SEND, follow a broad curriculum. In most lessons, adaptations are made to support pupils with SEND. However, the strategic management of the provision and support for pupils with SEND is not clear. Therefore, pupils are at risk of missing out on the support they need. Leaders should ensure that there is clear oversight of the management of pupils with SEND and that communication with both staff and parents connected to these pupils is clear.
• Some pupils do not attend school often enough. This means that they miss out on learning. Leaders should ensure that they continue to support families and pupils to improve pupils' attendance.
• Leaders have recently developed new policies connected to behaviour expectations and punctuality. Many older pupils feel that these policies are having a positive impact. The impact of these policies are yet to be felt by all members of the school community. Leaders should ensure that the behaviour policy continues to be used consistently and that all pupils benefit.

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