The Marlborough Science Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 November 2023

Pupils are polite, respectful and behave very well. Excellent relationships are evident between staff and pupils. Behaviour and attitudes to learning are very positive. Breaktimes are calm and lessons are productive. Pupils appreciate that leaders prioritise their well-being and safety. As a result, pupils feel safe, cared for and happy in school. The school is ambitious for all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils enjoy rising to the challenges they are presented with and consequently engage with their learning and achieve well. As a result of their education, almost all students in the sixth form go on to further education or employment. Pupils have many opportunities to build important leadership skills and to take on positions of responsibility. Older pupils work alongside younger pupils in developing the work of the student parliament, for example. Pupils have a strong voice throughout their school community. One example is how pupils produce the exceptional school magazine. Pupils benefit from high-quality extra-curricular activities, including table tennis, swimming, Latin and drama. There are plenty of opportunities to discuss and debate important issues. Pupils demonstrate open-mindedness and respect towards those who are different from them. As a result, they develop into thoughtful young people.

What the school should improve

• In a very few instances, teachers present too much knowledge and do not check routinely pupils' understanding. When this happens, pupils do not learn as well as they should. The school should ensure that staff requiring support are sufficiently supported and trained to deliver lessons that enable all pupils to make strong progress throughout the curriculum.

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