Devenish College

Overview

This follow-up inspection confirms that Devenish College has demonstrated the capacity to identify and bring about improvement in the interest of all learners. Since the previous inspection, the school has made significant progress in addressing earlier concerns, with overall pupil outcomes improving and leadership working collegially to enhance learning experiences.

Strengths

• Effective leadership has improved working relationships and pupil outcomes, supported by "well-targeted professional development."
• The curriculum has been "broadened to good effect," including a "broader and more appropriate suite of vocational subjects" and successful collaboration with local further education.
• Learning and teaching is now "effective in promoting the pupils’ learning," with better planning and positive classroom relationships.
• Pupil attainment has risen significantly, with 54% achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, including English and mathematics, which is "well above the average for similar schools."
• Care and support are strong, with pupils reporting "positive and respectful" relationships and staff using data to track progress effectively.

Areas to improve

• The school must "continue to focus on improving further the quality of learning and teaching."
• Planning needs to be "sufficiently differentiated and monitored to meet the needs of the more able" and address outcome differences between boys and girls.

Safeguarding

The report states that the care and support of pupils has been a priority with "clear evidence of progress and improvement," noting that relationships are positive and respectful.