Aspire Ap School

Overview

Aspire Ap School is described as a “life-changing experience” for pupils who have previously had negative educational encounters. The inspection found that “caring, supportive staff” build strong relationships, helping pupils to “re-engage with education effectively” within a “harmonious” and safe environment. The school meets independent school standards and was judged to be of “Good” overall effectiveness.

Strengths

• Staff “get to know each pupil as an individual,” fostering trust and helping pupils feel “valued” and safe.
• The curriculum is “ambitious” with “well organised” subject plans, particularly in English and mathematics where clear endpoints are set.
• Reading is “prioritised across the school” with accurate assessments and daily practice of fluency and comprehension.
• The personal, social and health education programme is “wide ranging,” preparing pupils for British society through lessons on democracy and respect.
• Pastoral support is “strong,” with pupils feeling confident to discuss worries and experiencing a “sense of belonging.”

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, the “important knowledge, skills and vocabulary” are not clearly set out, impacting how well pupils learn.
• Teachers’ checks on learning are not always “sharp enough,” meaning misconceptions are not picked up and tasks are not sufficiently matched to individual needs.
• Targets for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are not written with “enough precision,” hindering effective lesson adaptation.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”