Chenderit School

Overview

Chenderit School is described as a place where pupils are “polite and helpful” and study in “calm classrooms” with “well established” routines. Leaders maintain “high expectations” for behaviour and attainment, fostering an environment of respect where students feel safe and bullying is rare. The sixth form is highlighted as a “mature and academic environment” where students receive “personalised support” and participate eagerly in lessons.

Strengths

• Sixth-form provision is rated “Outstanding,” with students developing “excellent subject knowledge” and benefiting from “highly personalised support.”
• Teachers possess “good subject knowledge” and present material clearly, ensuring many pupils have “secure subject knowledge.”
• Leaders promote a culture where “all teachers are teachers of reading,” quickly identifying and supporting those who need help with fluency.
• A “well-sequenced personal development programme” prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, including citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and careers guidance.
• Trustees “provide support and challenge to senior leaders,” accessing training to develop their knowledge and skills.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure teachers in Years 7 to 11 help pupils “connect together the knowledge they are learning” to deepen understanding, as some do not yet have secure knowledge of important concepts.
• Leaders should ensure “vulnerable pupils receive the support they need to attend as well as they should,” as their attendance is currently lower than expected.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that leaders have established a strong culture, staff are well trained, and concerns are quickly identified and reported.