Hugh Sexey Church of England Middle School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school that provides pupils with excellent experiences and ensures they are very well equipped for the next stage of their education. Pupils make very rapid progress at school and attainment by the end of Year 8 is well above expectations.

They benefit from challenging teaching and a positive learning environment. The rigorous use of assessment information means any variations in progress are quickly identified and addressed. The achievement of all groups, including disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, is outstanding.

Excellent teaching and a rich vibrant curriculum provide pupils with memorable learning experiences. As Year 5 pupils said of their le...ssons, 'Teachers inspire us, they try to push us but not overmuch.' Informal and formal assessment enables staff to clearly understand if pupils find learning easy or difficult and adjust their teaching accordingly, so pupils are always rigorously challenged.

Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils are very keen to learn. They are considerate, courteous and highly cooperative, making an excellent contribution to the safe, positive learning environment.

They have a very clear understanding of safe and unsafe situations and how to act to keep themselves secure. Leaders and managers focus closely on improving learning opportunities for pupils. They monitor the school in depth using first-hand observations and sophisticated analysis of assessment data to provide a clear picture of the school's provision.

They manage performance rigorously and leadership of teaching is a significant strength. For example, leaders have been proactive in improving teaching, tackling concerns directly and promoting best practice. The outstanding curriculum offers varied, exciting opportunities to pupils and fully promotes their excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Parents and carers hold very positive views of the school but do not have enough in-depth information on their children's curriculum or ongoing assessment.

Information about the school

This is a larger than average-sized middle school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average.

Almost all pupils are White British and speak English as their first language. The proportion of pupils supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.