The King Edmund School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 January 2024

King Edmund School pupils have experienced exceptional levels of disruption, because of building works. This has not been the school's fault. School closures have recurred since the pandemic. Pupils learn on a building site, partly in temporary classrooms. Despite this, they value and enjoy school. Pupils praise the strong support they get from leaders and staff. Pupils learn a well-designed curriculum. They build up what they know. Examination outcomes have been low, for both Year 11s and sixth formers. These have been affected by school closures, and do not reflect the school's quality of education. Pupils receive relentless support from leaders in moving on to positive destinations. Behaviour is orderly. In lessons, pupils take pride in their learning. They behave well throughout the day. Pupils are polite and respectful, including in the sixth form. Occasional instances of unkind language are dealt with thoroughly. Pupils are happy and safe. Personal development is wide-ranging. Pupils go on exciting trips, locally and internationally. Multiple clubs, for instance jewellery, debating and musical theatre, extend their learning. Many take on leadership roles. Sixth-form students are good role models and get involved in school life. These opportunities help develop pupils' character, such as their resilience.

What the school should improve

• Pupils have gaps in some areas of their learning. This is in large part due to school closures. However, it means they do not always have the prior knowledge they need to access new learning securely. The school needs to ensure it identifies these gaps thoroughly and addresses them effectively.
• In a few areas, pupils learn a curriculum that is less well delivered. In these cases, pupils build up their learning less confidently. The school should ensure that staff get the training and support they need to deliver the curriculum consistently and well.
• The school's work to help the attendance of some of the most vulnerable pupils is not effective enough. As a result, some of these pupils have high levels of absence, and miss too much of their education. The school should review its actions to support the attendance of vulnerable pupils, ensuring pupils' attendance improves.

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