The Forum School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 October 2024

The quality of education pupils receive is improving steadily. However, the starting point for pupils' learning is not always accurately identified, this includes in the sixth form. This can lead to important curriculum content not being taught. Many pupils have gaps in their knowledge. Pupils engage well with their learning when it is interesting and meets their special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff carefully plan personal development opportunities for pupils based on their talents and interests. For example, pupils can go horse riding or to the gym. Pupils enjoy outdoor education lessons where they learn how to care for animals and the importance of teamwork. Through these experiences, pupils learn to be active citizens in their school community. Work to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain is ongoing. Positive relationships between pupils and staff are built on trust and respect. Pupils are skilfully supported to recognise and respond appropriately to their emotions. They learn how to keep themselves safe, including online. With support, pupils learn how to nurture friendships. Improved communication between the school and parents and carers means parents know what their child is learning and their achievements. Pupils attend school regularly. They are happy and safe in school.

What the school should improve

• Gaps in pupils' subject knowledge and what pupils already know are not always accurately identified. This means that subsequent learning does not help pupils secure new knowledge or build on prior knowledge well enough. The proprietor body should support the school to accurately identify what pupils know and can do, what knowledge gaps need addressing and what they need to learn next.
• The school's RSE and health education curriculum thinking does not help staff teach the sensitive aspects well enough. Consequently, pupils have limited knowledge, particularly of the RSE aspect of the curriculum. The proprietor body needs to ensure that the school's RSE and health education curriculum prepares pupils effectively for life in modern Britain.
• The proprietor body has ensured that checks are made to secure compliance with the independent school standards. However, there is not sufficient rigour to check the quality and implementation of premises risk assessments. The proprietor body must introduce monitoring systems to assure themselves that the school has the necessary support and resources to implement risk assessments and maintain the premises to a sufficiently high standard.

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