Millais School

Overview

The report describes Millais School as a “harmonious and orderly place” where “inclusivity, fairness and respect for pupils’ individual differences are at the heart of relationships.” Pupils achieve well academically, particularly in English Baccalaureate subjects, and benefit from a broad curriculum that prepares them effectively for future education or employment. The inspection highlights strong personal development and effective leadership, though it notes specific curriculum planning issues in a few subjects.

Strengths

• “Personal development is a strength,” with pupils developing an “extensive understanding of issues such as discrimination, healthy relationships and staying safe.”
• Leaders have designed a “broad curriculum” where the “most important knowledge... has been carefully considered,” particularly in science, mathematics, and history.
• Staff are “extremely ambitious for pupils” and use assessment to “fill gaps in their learning,” including effective support for pupils with special educational needs.
• The school offers “varied leadership opportunities” and an “extensive extra-curricular programme,” fostering a sense of community and peer support.
• Governors hold leaders to account well and are “considerate of staff’s well-being,” having made positive changes to manage workload.

Areas to improve

• In subjects such as religious education and physical education, leaders have not “selected and organised knowledge with enough precision,” causing some pupils to struggle with recalling key information.
• Leaders and governors are working to “engage parents more effectively” to address concerns regarding communication.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with strong systems in place to protect vulnerable pupils and staff who are well trained in identifying risks.