NCEA Duke's Secondary School

Overview

The report describes Duke’s Secondary School as a “welcoming school where there has been much improvement” since its previous inadequate rating. While “behaviour and attitudes” and “personal development” are rated Good, the “quality of education” and overall effectiveness are judged as “Requires improvement.” Leaders are described as “ambitious” and focused on continued improvement, with staff feeling “happy and well supported.”

Strengths

• There is a “calm and orderly environment” supported by strong relationships between staff and pupils.
• Pupils’ “personal development and well-being” are successfully promoted, with a “well-considered personal development programme” and strong careers advice.
• Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is “positive,” including effective access to the curriculum and valued “safe spaces” such as a sensory room.
• Sixth-form provision is rated Good, with students benefiting from “personalised support” and secure teaching where teachers “check precisely what pupils know.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure “teaching of the curriculum is of a consistently high quality,” as some teachers do not systematically check pupils’ knowledge, leading to gaps in learning.
• Leaders should ensure “all pupils who need extra help with their reading and literacy skills receive timely support,” as current interventions do not include all pupils with weaknesses.
• Leaders need to keep “appropriately detailed records of their visits to alternative providers” to assure the suitability of placements and improve analysis of behaviour trends.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff receiving regular training and leaders keeping “accurate and detailed records of reported concerns.”