The Cottesloe School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 March 2026

Pupils feel a strong sense of pride and belonging at The Cottesloe School. For many, it 'feels like a family'. This is evident in the positive relationships pupils have with staff and each other. Pupils know that the staff want the best for them. This is reflected in the high expectations and aspirations staff have for pupils. The school is a calm and warm environment. Pupils feel safe and want to attend. This is because leaders have built a culture based on mutual respect where pupils look out for each other. During lessons and at social times, pupils behave well. They follow the high expectations leaders have for their conduct. These are applied consistently by staff. Bullying and the use of derogatory language are rare. Pupils challenge each other when they witness behaviour that falls short of what is expected. This helps create a positive culture. Pupils understand what it means to make a meaningful contribution to their community. They are confident that staff will take effective action if they report any concerns they may have. Pupils are motivated in their learning by knowledgeable staff. Teachers provide regular opportunities to revisit what pupils have learned previously. This helps pupils to connect increasingly complex ideas as they move through the curriculum. Teachers know pupils well and make appropriate adaptations to the curriculum. This means disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities can learn well. As a result, pupils achieve well across a breadth of different subjects and in national examinations. The extra-curricular offer is extensive. Pupils value the opportunities, such as in sports, performing arts, gardening and creative writing, to develop their interests. They praise the different trips to theatres and museums and those abroad, such as the ski trip. Students in the sixth form take their roles as wellbeing ambassadors seriously. They act as positive role models for younger pupils.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that highly effective teaching strategies, including effective checks on pupils' learning, are fully embedded across subjects and used with precision to further deepen pupils' learning.

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