Witchford Village College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 January 2023

Witchford is indeed a 'small school with big ambitions'. Pupils develop their interests because leaders have based the curriculum around these interests. Pupils study a curriculum that now has higher academic expectations about what they can achieve. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps, as they get a wide range of effective guidance and support. Pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included. They get the support they need to access the same curriculum. Pupils' learning is rarely disrupted. Where issues do occur, a warning is often enough to resolve them. Some pupils have concerns about the comments a small number of pupils make, which can make them feel uncomfortable. However, pupils know staff listen if they have a worry. Pupils value the range of ways to share worries. Leaders ensure that any incidents of bullying are identified and dealt with effectively. Staff support pupils' needs well. They provide nurturing environments where pupils need these. This all helps pupils feel happy and safe. Pupils value the broad range of trips, visits and extra-curricular opportunities. This includes sports fixtures, university visits and productions such as 'Matilda'. Some pupils have not taken up these opportunities, but leaders are addressing this.

What the school should improve

• Pupils learn about tolerance and respect and how what they perceive as banter can make others feel uncomfortable. For a small number of pupils, understanding of this is not fully embedded. As a result, they still use words that make others feel uncomfortable. Leaders need to ensure that understanding of this is embedded with all pupils, so that all pupils are considerate of how the words they use can make others feel.

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