The Henrietta Barnett School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2022

Pupils are very keen to acquire knowledge in a broad range of subjects, which include Latin, ancient Greek and classical civilisation. Their behaviour, attendance and attitudes to learning are excellent. Pupils maintain their focus in lessons for long periods of time and enjoy thinking about the questions teachers pose. They give detailed explanations of what they have learned. This is evident in all year groups, but especially in the sixth form. Pupils' confidence is largely the result of the school's focus on building character by teaching pupils how to listen, debate and reason. Pupils read a lot of books to extend their general knowledge. Tellingly, one pupil remarked, 'When you go to the library to choose a book, you always end up taking two!' Pupils and staff agree that bullying in the school is extremely rare, and this is supported by the school's records. Pupils understand the consequences of bullying in its different forms. Pupils are confident that any concerns they have will be dealt with sensitively and effectively. Leaders are rightly focused on improving the quality of the curriculum and assessment in every subject. Some subjects are further ahead than others on this journey.

What the school should improve

• In all subjects, teachers check pupils' knowledge and skills. However, the quality and impact of assessment practice varies across subjects. Leaders should ensure that the best practice, which exists in pockets across the school, is shared in a systematic way to further deepen pupils' subject-specific understanding.

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