Townsend Church of England School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 January 2024

Pupils arrive from a very large number of primary schools. Frequently, others join at different times during the year. Some have experienced difficulties engaging with education or with bullying in their previous schools. At Townsend, such difficulties are uncommon. All are made to feel safe, welcomed and valued. This makes most pupils happy to be at school and able to build good friendships. The behaviour of the great majority of pupils is very good. They are polite and show respect to everyone. While misbehaviour from a small number sometimes frustrates other pupils, it is dealt with fairly. Pupils benefit from knowledgeable teaching. Lessons are orderly, although pupils sometimes do not have opportunities to practise and apply their skills and knowledge. Although they are expected to complete work and pass their examinations, pupils do not always think as deeply as they might. The new curriculum is helping to make a difference, particularly in Years 7 to 9. Pupils have opportunities to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities. They participate in musical productions, and they benefit from having the St Albans Music School based on the school site.

What the school should improve

• In a few foundation subjects, planned changes to the key stage 3 curriculum have yet to take effect. This means that pupils are not yet studying topics in the depth necessary for them to understand and achieve as well as in other subjects. They do not have a strong foundation of knowledge that supports future study in these subjects. The school should ensure that all foundation subjects provide pupils in Years 7 to 9 with opportunities to build the depth of knowledge and skills needed to access further study and achieve well.
• On occasions, teachers place much more emphasis on presentation and demonstration than on enabling pupils to apply and practise using knowledge and take part in discussion or debate. This means that, sometimes, pupils lose interest or enthusiasm for learning and do not work as hard as they might. It also limits opportunities to support pupils with SEND in the classroom. The school should work with staff to ensure that all lessons are highly effective in supporting pupils' learning and application of knowledge.

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