Waddesdon Church of England School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 February 2026

Pupils are happy and safe at Waddesdon. The school's values of ‘dignity and respect’ are lived out by pupils. They enjoy the warm relationships with staff and their peers. Pupils speak with passion about the community spirit within the school. They are confident that should they have any concerns, there is someone at the school to help them. Pupils behave very well. They work hard to achieve their best. The feeling of ‘warm strict’ is evident throughout the interactions of pupils and staff. This creates an environment where pupils can learn. Bullying is not tolerated. When it does occur leaders ensure that it is dealt with appropriately. Pupils attend well. This happens because of well-considered approaches by leaders to help those who struggle to attend regularly. Pupils study a broad curriculum. This goes beyond the national curriculum, offering opportunities such as the Higher Project qualification, through the Waddesdon Blueprint, to Year 10. Pupils are supported by their teachers to achieve well. This is particularly evident in the sixth form. Leaders are working to ensure that a consistent approach to checking on understanding is embedded across the whole curriculum. Pupils are ready for the next stage in their education. The school provides excellent ambitious and individualised guidance which enables them to make informed decisions about what they can do next. Pupils with barriers to their learning, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, are supported well. Leaders ensure that they have what they need to learn well and thrive in all aspects of school life. Pupils are positive members of their community. They are ready for life in modern Britain. Pupils share their own cultures and heritage through the school's culture day. The range of enrichment opportunities for pupils to develop is vast. These includes sports, public speaking, coding, leadership in assemblies and a wide range of performing arts and creative arts clubs, which include regular performances and exhibits.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers' checking for understanding is consistently embedded across all curriculum areas and that they use the information effectively to address gaps in pupils' learning.

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