The Whitstable School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since her appointment in May 2016, the headteacher has inspired staff, pupils, and parents and carers with her clarity of vision and her unshakeable belief that all pupils can succeed. She receives strong challenge and support from the executive headteacher.

Leaders and teachers share the headteacher's high expectations. They are ambitious for pupils' success. Consequently, pupils work as hard as they can in lessons and achieve well.

Leaders check the impact of their actions carefully and use this information to make clear plans that are sharply focused on improving teaching and pupils' outcomes. Teachers use their expert subject knowledg...e to set challenging activities and ask probing questions. Where classes are taught by non-specialist teachers, pupils typically make slower progress.

Overall, pupils make progress in most subjects that is similar to that found nationally. Low prior-attaining pupils do particularly well. The curriculum is broad and balanced.

Pupils also benefit from opportunities to develop their skills and interests outside lessons. Leaders are understandably proud of the school's provision for, and outcomes in, creative arts. Pupils conduct themselves well in lessons and around the school.

They are polite to their teachers and to visitors. Pupils are punctual to lessons and they keep the site free of litter. They wear their uniforms smartly and are proud of their school.

Overall rates of attendance are slightly better than national averages for secondary schools. Leaders are tireless in their efforts to improve the attendance of the few pupils who are frequently absent. Governors have an accurate view of the school's strengths and weaknesses.

They work well with the school's proposed sponsors, Swale Academies Trust, who provide very strong support to the school. Disadvantaged pupils and those with high prior attainment make slower rates of progress than other pupils nationally. However, differences are diminishing for pupils currently in the school, particularly those in key stage 3.

The majority of parents voice strong support for the school. However, a small number express concerns about teaching, communication and behaviour.

Information about this school

The Community College Whitstable is smaller than the average-sized secondary school.

An academy order was issued by the Department for Education in May 2016, with the Swale Academies Trust named as the school's preferred sponsor. Commissioned by Kent local authority, the Swale Academies Trust has been providing school improvement services to the school since May 2016. There is, as yet, no agreed date for the school to convert to academy status.

The governing body remains the appropriate authority. However, governors are making preparations to become a local governing body within the Swale Academies Trust when the academy conversion takes place. The headteacher, who is employed by the Swale Academies Trust, took up her post in May 2016.

Most pupils are of White British origin. A lower than average proportion of pupils are believed to speak English as an additional language. Around one third of pupils are supported by the pupil premium, which is similar to the national average.

Around one in 10 pupils receives support for a special educational need, which is slightly lower than the figure found nationally. The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below the national average. A very small number of pupils attend alternative provision at Project 15 in Thanet or the City and Coastal College in Canterbury to receive support for behaviour and attendance or for their social and emotional needs.

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