Clarendon School

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms that Clarendon School remains “outstanding,” though inspectors noted that a graded inspection might yield a lower judgement. The school provides a “calm and orderly learning environment” where pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are “happy and safe.” Leaders are actively redesigning the curriculum to better support continuity between primary and secondary years.

Strengths

• Staff “know [pupils] incredibly well” and provide “exceptional support and guidance,” responding skilfully to emotional changes.
• Communication and reading are high priorities; staff use “carefully selected communication systems” and a phonics programme to help pupils join activities “confidently.”
• Pupils enjoy a “wide range of activities,” including residential trips and work experience, which prepares them well for adulthood.
• Attendance strategies are “increasingly effective,” with pupils arriving on time and showing respect.
• Partnerships with parents and carers are “well developed,” and pupil views are listened to.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, the curriculum is “not implemented securely,” meaning activities do not always match curriculum goals and pupils do not always deepen their understanding.
• Governance is in transition; new governors and trustees are not yet monitoring all aspects of the school’s work closely enough, slowing improvements.

Safeguarding

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