Cowley International College

Overview

The report describes a school undergoing “rapid, purposeful and well-sequenced improvement” under new leadership. While leaders are “strategic in their actions” and have created a “positive culture for learning,” the school is still addressing historical inconsistencies in teaching and attainment. Pupils feel safe and engaged, but achievement remains uneven across subjects and year groups.

Strengths

• Leaders and governors are “deeply committed to improving the school” and make changes “in the best interests of pupils.”
• A “newly created positive culture for learning” sees pupils behaving respectfully and lessons beginning promptly.
• Personal development is strong, with an “ambitious new personal, social and health education curriculum” covering mental health and exploitation risks.
• Pupils have access to “rich and varied enrichment activities,” including clubs, trips, and leadership roles, fostering confidence and belonging.
• Safeguarding is effective, with an “open culture” where concerns are “actively identified, acted upon and managed.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure “consistently effective teaching throughout the school” to improve achievement for all pupils, including in the sixth form.
• Teachers need to check pupils’ understanding more consistently to “identify gaps and address misconceptions” in all subjects.
• Staff must be better supported to adapt teaching for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as provision is currently “inconsistent.”
• Leaders should continue improving attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and older students, which remains above the national average.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and pupils are made safer.