Toot Hill School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 November 2022

Leaders have high aspirations for what pupils can achieve. Pupils benefit from learning a well-organised and ambitious curriculum. They appreciate the support they receive from staff. The majority of pupils achieve success. They secure appropriate education, training or employment when they leave school. Most pupils enjoy coming to school and feel safe there. They appreciate the school's 'Work Hard, Be Kind, Take Pride' culture. They focus well during lessons and produce work of a high quality. The majority of pupils are respectful towards others. They know that bullying is unacceptable. When staff know about it, they resolve issues quickly. The school's atmosphere is calm and purposeful. Pupils know how they should behave. Most conduct themselves well. Those who struggle to do so, get close support. Some pupils say that sanctions for being late or for wearing incorrect uniform are not always reasonable or consistent. According to pupils, 'there is something for everyone' when it comes to extra- curricular activities. Many pupils take advantage of the numerous opportunities to nurture their talents and try new experiences. They enjoy leading events such as charity fundraising activities and the 'Pride March'. Sixth-form students value being subject representatives or members of the students' union.

What the school should improve

• The science curriculum is not always implemented consistently well. Teachers do not always follow the planned order of the curriculum. Their pedagogical choices are not always well suited to the intended learning. Their expectations of what pupils can achieve are not sufficiently high. Some pupils disengage from their learning and produce poor-quality work. They cannot recall essential scientific knowledge. Leaders need to ensure that the science curriculum is followed precisely and implemented consistently well for the benefit of all pupils learning the subject.
• The majority of pupils know how to behave well and comply with the school's rules. However, some pupils are overly anxious about making a mistake and being sanctioned. Others feel that some of the rules are excessive. These concerns risk limiting pupils' full involvement in school life. Leaders should make sure that pupils understand the reasons for any rules and why they matter. They should help pupils play a positive role in creating the school environment, where all pupils can make a tangible contribution.
• Communication by leaders with parents is sometimes not as effective as it could be. Some parents feel that leaders do not keep them informed well enough about their decisions, for instance in relation to school uniform and procedures to manage pupils' behaviour and attendance. Leaders need to ensure that they keep parents up to date with information about the effective work they are doing to care for and support pupils.

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