Loxford School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. This is an outstanding school which has built on the strengths identified at its previous inspection. It enables all groups of pupils to make rapid progress, particularly in Years 7 to 11.

The headteacher is the driving force behind the school's success. Her clear vision and high ambitions for pupils and staff are supported by a highly effective senior team and a well-led and challenging governing body. There is a strong culture in the school that says everyone can be successful in meeting their aspirations.

As one pupil said, 'I can be me.' All believe, 'They can make it happen.' Leaders have such a clear understanding of how we...ll pupils are progressing that they are able to put their energy where it is most needed, particularly in the continuous drive to improve teaching, learning and achievement.

Teachers make their lessons enjoyable and challenging for all pupils. This enables them to move learning forward rapidly, particularly in the key areas of English and mathematics. However, not all teaching is outstanding in developing pupils' ability to learn independently.

Teachers across the school take their responsibility very seriously for developing the pupils' reading, writing and speaking skills. Pupils know the challenging targets they are aiming for and are carefully guided towards achieving them. Pupils at all levels feel very safe and secure because of the support provided through the academic and care teams in each year group and their tutors.

The pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are exemplary. Pupils want to learn. They are keen, enthusiastic and have impeccable manners towards each other and adults.

By carefully checking the progress of each pupil, the school is able to identify where additional support is needed. This might be because they have fallen behind their targets or are experiencing personal difficulties affecting their performance. The sixth form is outstanding.

Its leadership is driving up standards as reflected in recent improvements in A-level results.

Information about this school

This is a very large school in which pupil numbers have risen considerably in recent years. Its sixth form is also larger than average and with rising student numbers.

The school has been completely rebuilt since the previous inspection and a new primary school building has just been completed. This is to provide more places to cope with the increase in numbers being experienced by the local authority. The primary section has been operating in temporary accommodation for the last two years and currently has pupils up to Year 2.

The current Year 2 was taken on at very short notice in advance of planned arrangements. Of the original 60 pupils, only 12 remain because others have left as places have become available in schools nearer their homes, while others have joined. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are taught in four Reception classes and a new Nursery is due to open in September.

Almost all of the pupils are from a wide range of minority ethnic backgrounds, with one third from families of Pakistani heritage. Three quarters of the pupils speak English as an additional language with a small minority at an early stage in learning the language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for funding through the pupil premium is well above average.

This is extra money given to schools for looked after children and pupils known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is high. The proportion of pupils supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well above average.

The school is a specialist science and technology school and is a designated training school. The school does not use alternative provision for its pupils. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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