The Orchards School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 March 2024

The Orchards is a friendly and inclusive school. Pupils are happy and feel safe because staff are nurturing and caring. Pupils know who they can talk to if they are worried or upset about anything. They know how to keep themselves safe. For example, they know that they should only talk to visitors in school wearing a green lanyard. Children in the early years settle quickly. They get off to a strong start in the nursery. Pupils behave well at school. They work and play together happily. In lessons, pupils of all ages respond calmly to adult instructions. Pupils enjoy developing their talents and interests in different activities and events, including drama and choir. They readily take on responsibilities in school, such as school council, house captains and sports crew members. Parents and staff have positive views of the school. They recognise the improvements made since the school joined the trust, especially in relation to pupils' behaviour and personal development. The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement. The curriculum is constantly revisited to make sure that pupils gain the knowledge that they need for future learning. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well across a broad range of subjects.

What the school should improve

• A minority of foundation subjects are at an early stage of implementation. In these subjects, pupils' learning is not routinely developed in logical steps and is less secure. The school should ensure that, in these subjects, pupils' learning consistently builds on what they already know, to help them to know and remember more.
• Too many disadvantaged pupils are persistently absent. This means that they miss important learning and fall behind their peers. The school should continue to refine and extend its strategic work to improve pupils' attendance.

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