Westwood College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 May 2024

Westwood College promotes 'respect, resilience, ambition and pride'. Pupils say these values help them focus on how to develop positively as young people. While the school has high aspirations for all its pupils and students, these ambitions have not been fully achieved. Nevertheless, pupils say there is an improving environment to learn in. There is a purposeful atmosphere around the school. During lessons and unstructured times, such as breaktimes and lunchtimes, many pupils behave sensibly. Where pupils' behaviour is not acceptable, staff speak quickly with these pupils to explain the school's high expectations. Pupils speak positively about the support they receive. Warm and respectful relationships characterise life at this school. Pupils feel happy and safe. Pupils know who to talk to about any concerns they may have. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils' personal development. Students in the sixth form are proud to mentor pupils in the lower school. These roles help pupils understand how to be responsible. The extra-curricular programme is diverse. Pupils take part in a range of clubs, such as sport, art and drama. Pupils value being able to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and school productions.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not consistently check that pupils understand what has been learned and what they can remember. This means that gaps in pupils' knowledge are not identified and addressed effectively, and therefore they do not make as much progress as they should. The school should ensure that teachers consistently check pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly to close any gaps.
• Some pupils miss too much school, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND. This holds back their progress and achievement. The school should work more closely with parents and external agencies to communicate effectively and secure more regular attendance for all pupils.
• The school has not reviewed or analysed some of its improvement actions as carefully as it should. This means that it does not always know the effectiveness of its strategies to support pupils' progress and development. The school should ensure that it precisely analyses the effectiveness of improvement strategies to ensure it makes a positive difference to all pupils' education, including disadvantaged pupils.
• Some pupils with SEND do not receive sufficient support to enable them to effectively access the curriculum. This limits the progress and achievement of these pupils. The school should ensure that pupils with SEND receive effective support to enable them to make strong progress across the curriculum.

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