The Maplesden Noakes School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 May 2024

Pupils at this inclusive school are friendly and polite. They feel happy and safe. Staff and pupils talk warmly about belonging to the 'Maplesden family'. The school's values of kindness, empathy and respect underpin all that the school does. The school has high expectations for what pupils, and students in the sixth form, can achieve. This includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils keenly develop their skills and knowledge through an ambitious curriculum that reflects those expectations. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Staff care about their pupils' education and well-being. Clear, consistent routines ensure that pupils behave well and focus on their learning within a calm and purposeful environment. They behave well at social times, including in the dining areas. The school does not tolerate bullying. Most pupils feel confident that any unkind behaviour will be dealt with. Pupils benefit from attending a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities. These include sports clubs, arts clubs and some more specialised ones such as criminology and Raspberry Pi clubs. Trips, both locally and abroad, are growing in number. Pupils act as sports leaders to organise events with local primary school children. Sixth-form students speak enthusiastically about participation in the 'Business Challenge', where they gain a valuable insight into the world of work.

What the school should improve

• Not all pupils achieve as well as they could. At times, the activities and work set in lessons do not help some pupils effectively to learn the identified key knowledge and skills. The school should continue to ensure that staff have the appropriate knowledge and expertise to help pupils understand and remember more to reach the school's ambitious goals.

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