The Blue Coat School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 November 2022

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, are extremely proud to attend The Blue Coat School. Staff are caring and supportive. This helps pupils to feel safe and happy at school. Pupils and students behave exceptionally well, conducting themselves maturely and confidently. Leaders act quickly to deal with any incidents of bullying. Leaders have high expectations of what pupils and students can achieve. As a result, pupils and students are eager to perform well. For example, they are diligent and attentive in lessons. Pupils and students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from a culture where everyone can be themselves. Pupils and students show a genuine care for their classmates. Leaders and staff have fostered a school community where diversity is celebrated. Students in the sixth form act as exemplary role models for younger pupils. Pupils benefit from the positive contribution that student leaders make to the school. This includes delivering assemblies, leading student forums and acting as ambassadors. Pupils and students look forward to visits from representatives of the 'old blues', who offer advice and support to pupils. Pupils and students take part in a wide range of sports, trips and activities, such as basketball club and table tennis. Leaders promote their motto 'Not for oneself, but for all' by providing pupils and students with many opportunities to learn beyond the academic curriculum. For example, leaders encourage pupils and students to work towards The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. This helps pupils and students to make informed choices for their next steps.

What the school should improve

• Until recently, leaders have not prioritised reading sufficiently well. Some pupils do not read often and widely enough. Furthermore, leaders do not check on how well older pupils continue to develop their reading knowledge and expand their vocabulary. This means that teachers are not able to provide reading material that further develops pupils' and students' comprehension. Leaders should ensure that they check pupils' reading knowledge in order to ensure that staff give appropriate and well-suited reading materials.
• Some staff are not equipped well to deliver some aspects of the personal development curriculum. As a result, on occasion, this prevents some pupils from learning about some topics in enough depth. Leaders should ensure that staff are suitably trained to deliver the personal development curriculum with confidence and expertise.

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