Malmesbury School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school.

The headteacher provides strong leadership and is very ably supported by a team of highly effective senior and middle managers. Students, parents, carers and staff are overwhelmingly positive about the school and its work. One parental comment summarises what many others say, 'This is a wonderful school.

It nurtures, cares and educates the children.' The sixth form is outstanding. Attainment is significantly above average and students make outstanding progress.

New courses have been introduced that match the aspirations of more students so the sixth form is expanding quickly. Achievement by the end of Key Stage 4 has been significantly above average in r...ecent years with a strongly rising trend. Students' progress, from above average standards on entry, is impressive as they gain new skills and knowledge rapidly.

Teaching is outstanding overall because the quality is always good with a high proportion being outstanding. Best practice exists in all aspects of teaching, although minor inconsistencies occur in the quality of written and verbal feedback to ensure all students know specifically how to improve at all times. The behaviour of students is outstanding in lessons and around the school.

They display highly positive attitudes to school, their learning and each other. They enjoy school, they want to be there and they want to learn. The headteacher and other senior leaders have created a highly ambitious ethos, with a strong culture of personal development for staff and students.

All rise to the challenge admirably. Secure procedures are in place to monitor the school's work and identify best practice. This information is not always utilised fully to eliminate small inconsistencies and help make all teaching and learning outstanding.

The curriculum and provision for students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are outstanding and continue to improve further. Governors make a strong contribution to the school.

Information about the school

Malmesbury is a larger than average-sized school serving a rural community in the town of Malmesbury and its surrounding villages.

It has specialist subjects in science and performing arts, mathematics and computing. It became a new-style academy converter in August 2011. It has recently set up alternative provision for permanently excluded students.

Most students are of White British heritage. The proportion of students supported through school action is average with the proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs being well below average. The proportion of students known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average.

The school meets the government's current floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress. The acting headteacher at the previous inspection was appointed as the permanent headteacher. The school holds a large number of quality marks.