Queen Elizabeth School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils and staff are proud, living out the motto of ‘scholarship and care’ through high-quality education and pastoral support. Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in a ‘well-thought-out curriculum’ where pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils, ‘enjoy learning and achieve well’. The overall effectiveness is judged as Good, with behaviour and attitudes rated as Outstanding.

Strengths

• Pupils’ behaviour is ‘exemplary’ and ‘impeccable’, with lessons rarely interrupted and students showing ‘noteworthy’ attitudes to learning.
• Teachers possess a ‘high level of subject-specific expertise’ and deliver an ‘ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum’ organised logically to build knowledge over time.
• Leaders prioritise the early identification of pupils with SEND, ensuring staff share strategies so that these pupils’ needs are met effectively.
• Sixth-form students are ‘aspirational’ and ‘well prepared for their next steps’, benefiting from tailored careers guidance and active leadership roles in the school community.
• Staff well-being is supported through positive actions, including a dedicated well-being group, while governors ‘support and challenge leaders effectively’.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of subjects, teachers must better use assessment strategies to address pupils’ misconceptions quickly, ensuring knowledge is secured before moving on.
• Leaders need to develop clearer systems to accurately identify pupils with deficits in reading ability, so that struggling readers receive timely support to catch up with peers.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a ‘strong culture of safeguarding throughout the school’ where staff are vigilant, well-trained, and respond quickly to concerns.