Christ's College, Guildford

Overview

Christ’s College is described as an “inclusive school that has been transformed by its current senior leaders,” with pupils and parents enthusing about “massive strides forward.” The report highlights a culture of “high aspiration” and “positive relationships,” noting that pupils are “well cared for and safe” within a nurturing environment.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “impressive” in breadth, with a high proportion of pupils taking the English Baccalaureate and “suitable vocational courses” available.
• Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has been “re-invigorated,” ensuring they are “well supported, both academically and emotionally.”
• Staff work together to raise aspirations, enriched by a “wide range of extra-curricular opportunities” including performing arts and sport.
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” with a “culture of vigilance” ensuring adults are alert to risks and concerns are recorded and shared well.
• Personal development is promoted effectively through a “thoughtfully planned” PSHE curriculum and impartial careers advice.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure all staff have expertise in checking pupils’ prior knowledge to refine teaching approaches and boost “reading, oracy and thinking skills.”
• Staff training and enhanced monitoring are needed to address “inconsistency in teachers’ implementation of the PSHE curriculum.”
• Leaders and governors need to continue to refine communication systems so that all parents feel “more fully involved and informed.”

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with safer recruitment practices in place and staff well informed through regular training.