Longcroft School and Sixth Form College

Overview

Longcroft School and Sixth Form College is described as an “improving school” where “pupils are happy and safe.” Leaders have strengthened the quality of education since the last inspection, resulting in a “broad and well sequenced” curriculum that builds on prior knowledge. Consequently, pupils achieve “increasingly strong outcomes” and benefit from a “purposeful and calm environment” in lessons.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “ambitious” and “well sequenced,” with some subjects exceeding national breadth.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “well supported.”
• Behaviour is good, with bullying being “rare” and dealt with effectively when it occurs.
• The sixth-form provision is “good,” offering a “personalised experience” with strong teacher-student relationships.
• Attendance is “above the national average,” supported by staff working to remove barriers.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure the new careers curriculum is embedded so pupils receive advice in a “logical order based on their age and experience.”
• Leaders must strengthen personal development to ensure pupils have an age-appropriate understanding of “protected characteristics and fundamental British values.”
• Leaders should ensure assessment opportunities are built into lessons so teachers regularly check understanding before moving on to new learning.

Safeguarding

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