Buckingham School

Overview

The report states that “the majority of pupils learn well” and are “prepared well for their next steps in life,” with a “suitably broad curriculum” developed since the last inspection. However, “behaviour and attitudes” require improvement, as “disruptive behaviour” and “derogatory and disrespectful language” are not always challenged consistently by staff, causing some pupils to feel uncomfortable.

Strengths

• Teachers are “knowledgeable about their subjects” and deliver the curriculum well, using assessment effectively at the end of topics to identify struggling pupils.
• Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is effective, with leaders ensuring they are “identified effectively” and receive targeted support to “catch up with their peers.”
• Pupils benefit from a “wide range of clubs” and a “broad and well-considered curriculum for PSHE,” helping them understand risks such as those associated with social media.
• The sixth form is praised for its “skilful” use of discussion and assessment, ensuring “gaps in knowledge are rarely missed.”
• Governors have a “realistic understanding of the key areas for development” and effectively challenge and support leaders.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure staff are confident to address “derogatory and disrespectful language” so it is “never tolerated.”
• Teachers need to consistently reinforce high expectations of behaviour in lessons to prevent learning from being disrupted.
• Staff outside the sixth form must improve how they check pupils’ understanding during lessons to ensure learning does not move on before all pupils are ready.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff well trained and leaders acting “promptly and effectively” on concerns.