The Davenport School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 July 2025

This is a happy school where friendships count. Pupils feel safe here. They are proud of their work and happy to share it with visitors. Staff set a high bar for pupils' academic success and for their behaviour. Pupils know this and respond positively, even when their anxieties are high and self-confidence is in short supply. Behaviour is not perfect here, but most of the time it is truly impeccable. Developing pupils' self-esteem and sense of self-worth underpins everything the school does. This impacts very positively on pupils' attitudes to learning and on their broader development. Pupils are keen to get into classrooms in the morning to learn new things and to share their opinions. Because of this positive approach and the resolute determination of staff, pupils' achievements and progress through the curriculum are impressive. Parents and carers are positive about the school. Some reported that the school has had a life-changing impact on their children. This is because their children are developing trusting relationships and thriving here. Importantly, pupils understand that respect for others is a value worth having. They also know that having high ambitions for themselves is equally important.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes staff do not design learning that challenges pupils enough in phonics lessons. This means that pupils are at risk of disengaging from learning and opportunities to develop pupils' reading skills are lost. The school needs to ensure that all pupils benefit from lessons that develop their reading and comprehension skills, particularly pupils who are more-able readers.
• Pupils do not get enough opportunity to reason as mathematicians. They do not benefit from chances to explain, question and consolidate their understanding of mathematical concepts and processes in their work. This means that their progress through the mathematics curriculum is not as strong as it might be. The school needs to provide opportunities for pupils to explain their reasoning. This will help them to gain better understanding of the way they arrive at right and wrong answers in their mathematics work.

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