Thomas Hall School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 March 2024

Staff provide a caring and inclusive culture at the school. Pupils who started in Reception and are progressing through the school to Year 11 say they value the sense of community and belonging. Many pupils join the school mid-year. They are well supported when they become pupils of the school. Pupils who have had challenging experiences before coming to the school, feel happy. There are positive relationships between pupils and staff. However, the attendance of pupils is low. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils do not attend well. A few older pupils do not arrive at their lessons punctually. The school has made new behaviour expectations clear. In most lessons, pupils listen and engage. Pupils are positive about their learning. Pupils all through the school attend the forest school. They appreciate this time. The school plans a wide range of clubs and visits. For example, trips to the theatre or participating in the Ten Tors challenge. The 'senate' represent pupils in the secondary phase. They meet regularly to represent the views of pupils to the school. They have contributed to the re-naming of the school and the new school uniform. Pupils feel listened to.

What the school should improve

• The targets for pupils with SEND are generic. Staff do not know the specific strategies to use for pupils to adapt learning meaningfully. The school must ensure the guidance for pupils with SEND is clearly defined to support their learning.
• Some pupils do not attend school regularly, including those pupils with SEND. As a result, they do not progress with their learning. The school must make sure it evaluates attendance data over time and acts on this to remove barriers to attendance.
• In some subjects, recent changes mean that staff are only just developing their knowledge of the curriculum. The school need to make sure the curriculum is well understood and planned so staff can implement it confidently.
• Professional training for leaders has not been effective in recent years. Consequently, many staff lack confidence in carrying out their roles. The school must ensure that leaders in all roles have the support needed to develop their knowledge and expertise.

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