The WREN School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 April 2026

Pupils are extremely proud of their school. They appreciate how staff want the very best for them. Pupils value the diversity and range of cultures they see in their peers, which they learn more about in school. When pupils join the school, they are warmly welcomed and settle in quickly. The school makes sure that any barriers to learning are quickly identified and minimised. Sixth-form students are highly motivated. They are excellent role models for younger pupils. Students willingly engage in whole-school responsibilities, such as helping in the 'swap shop' or in reading activities. This boosts their experience and aspiration. Students welcome the detailed subject knowledge that teachers have and are keen to do as well as they can. Leaders recognise that in the past sixth-form outcomes have been too low. A range of appropriate changes have been made, although it is too early to see their full impact. Lessons are calm. Pupils enjoy their learning. They are keen to complete their work and are generally well supported by their teachers to close any gaps in their knowledge. In the few places where checking for understanding is less consistent, leaders are taking appropriate steps. Behaviour across the school is positive. Pupils feel safe and are respectful of each other. They have no concerns about bullying. Pupils take the school’s messages about the importance of consent and positive relationships seriously. As a result, pupils are confident that should any poor behaviour occur, including discrimination, it would be quickly and effectively dealt with. Pupils’ attendance is in line with national averages. Where some pupils find attending well more difficult, leaders are effective in helping them to improve. This support is carefully considered and personalised, for example putting in place support to help those pupils who join the school mid-year to develop positive attendance habits from the very start.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure a consistent approach across the school in how staff check pupils' understanding effectively and address gaps in pupils' knowledge.
• Leaders should continue to further reduce levels of persistent absence.
• Leaders should ensure that the sixth-form curriculum meets the needs of students so that they achieve consistently well.

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