The Magna Carta School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 September 2024

A sharp focus on improvement since the previous inspection is highly evident. Pupils and staff are rightly proud of the progress made in all aspects of school life. The school's high ambitions for pupils' behaviour and achievement are known by all. Pupils rise to meet these high expectations consistently. The 'Magna Carta Way' underpins this. Pupils treat each other with courtesy and respect. Lessons are purposeful and pupils work hard. Success is celebrated. Pupils benefit from excellent pastoral care. They learn how to treat people with different beliefs and backgrounds respectfully. As a result, pupils describe their school as, 'really inclusive, where you can just be yourself'. Pupil's wider personal development is a priority. Personal, social and health education (PSHE), delivered expertly, teaches pupils vital knowledge and skills to prepare them for life in modern Britain. A comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities supports and extends pupils' talents and interests. Pupils' commitment to these activities is impressive. They develop valuable leadership skills and positive character traits through activities such as student council and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

What the school should improve

• Work to check pupils' learning in some subjects is in its infancy and needs sharpening. Not all teachers check that pupils have secured key knowledge and skills before they move on. The school needs to ensure that all teachers accurately identify gaps and misconceptions in pupils' knowledge and skills and adapt their subsequent delivery of lessons to rectify these.
• Precise adaptation of the curriculum and strategies to support pupils with SEND are still being refined. The support that some pupils receive in lessons is not as effective as it could be. The school should continue its work to enhance and embed good practice in all subjects and ensure systems for oversight are consistently robust.
• While there are processes in place to improve attendance, too many disadvantaged pupils are persistently absent. This means that these pupils miss vital learning and are at risk of falling further behind. The school needs to redouble its efforts to ensure that the attendance of disadvantaged pupils improves rapidly.

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