Palmerston School

Overview

Palmerston School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report confirms that pupils continue to flourish academically and socially, supported by an ambitious curriculum and strong relationships. The school remains a positive environment where staff are proud of their work and pupils are well prepared for their next steps.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from "exceptionally strong and trusting relationships" with staff, creating a calm learning environment where they "relish learning across a wide range of subjects."
• The curriculum is "ambitious" and precisely tailored to individual needs, using education, health and care plans to ensure pupils make "strong progress from their individual starting points."
• Staff use "expert subject knowledge" to deliver content effectively, helping pupils develop communication and reading skills with "skill and precision."
• Pupils access diverse opportunities to broaden their horizons, including independent travel, community service, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, preparing them for life after school.
• Staff morale is high, with many feeling supported regarding workload and valuing the training opportunities provided.

Areas to improve

• The school should strengthen its strategic oversight by consistently analysing behaviour data to "fully identify any patterns or trends in how pupils behave."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.