Marathon Science School

Overview

The report states that the school has taken "swift, decisive action" since its previous inadequate rating, leading to improvements in many aspects of provision. However, the quality of education is "not consistently high," and leadership and management remain areas requiring improvement. Pupils contribute to a "calm and respectful environment" and are described as "happy" and well-mannered.

Strengths

• Pupils are "polite and well mannered" and value the "positive relationships" they have with staff who "care for them well."
• Behaviour and attitudes are rated as Good, with pupils playing well together during social times.
• Personal development is rated as Good, with pupils receiving "suitable, impartial careers information" and being "prepared well for life in modern society."
• The school provides valued enrichment opportunities, including an annual visit to Turkey linked to Islamic studies.
• Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," and the school now meets independent school standards.

Areas to improve

• The curriculum offer is "not as broad as it should be," particularly in creative subjects, limiting opportunities to deepen knowledge.
• Teaching does not deliver the curriculum consistently well, with gaps in knowledge due to imprecise checking of understanding and lack of pedagogical expertise.
• Systems for identifying and adapting the curriculum for lower-attaining pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "not secure."
• Structured opportunities for reading across the curriculum are not securely in place, hindering vocabulary and comprehension development.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."