Heathcote School & Science College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher and other senior leaders are ambitious for their pupils and provide strong strategic leadership.

Governors have a good understanding of the school's strengths and the areas that still need development. They challenge and support leaders effectively to drive the shared vision. Pupils report that they feel safe in school, bullying is rare and they have confidence that staff will deal with any concerns they may have.

The quality of teaching is good. However, there is still a degree of inconsistency across the school and weaker practice in some subject areas. Pupils of all abilities have opportunities to develop their personal... and social skills through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Leaders and teachers check pupils' progress regularly. Pupils identified as at risk of falling behind receive additional support and catch up quickly. Typically, pupils behave well in lessons and around the school.

They are courteous and respectful. Overall, pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities make good progress. The progress of disadvantaged pupils is in line with their peers.

The sixth form is good. Sixth-form students attend regularly. Generally, students make good progress in both academic and vocational courses, although progress dipped in the 2018 public examinations.

Generally, most-able pupils do not make as strong progress as other pupils because the teaching they receive is not tailored closely enough to their needs. Pupils' attendance, although improving, is below the national average. Leaders have introduced several new management systems in this school year.

They need to regularly review their impact to ensure that they continue to improve pupil outcomes.

Information about this school

Heathcote is a maintained, non-selective school in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is in line with the national average. The school uses three alternative providers: Burnside, Hawkswood and Waltham Forest College. There are currently 10 pupils at alternative provision.

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