Mary Webb School and Science College

Overview

This is the first routine inspection under the current framework for Mary Webb School and Science College. The report describes an “inclusive and supportive school” where pupils feel “safe and happy” and are motivated by staff who care for their well-being. Leaders have established a “calm and purposeful environment” with high expectations for behaviour and an “innovative curriculum” designed to prepare pupils for future careers.

Strengths

• Teachers provide “challenging work” that encourages pupils to “think hard and remember important knowledge,” resulting in most pupils achieving well.
• The curriculum is carefully sequenced, with teachers using effective strategies like quizzes to help pupils recall knowledge and build on new learning.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) generally “flourish” by following the same curriculum as their peers, supported by well-targeted reading interventions.
• Personal development is enriched through extra-curricular activities, volunteering, and a “high-quality careers programme” that helps pupils reflect on their talents.
• Staff morale is high, with teachers praising leaders’ consideration of workload and contributing to a strong culture of safeguarding.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should continue promoting the study of modern foreign languages to ensure more pupils access the academic breadth of the English Baccalaureate.
• Leaders must ensure all teachers have the skills to effectively adapt learning for a few pupils with SEND, as some tasks are not yet adapted precisely enough.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and promptly referring concerns to ensure pupils know how to recognise and report risks.