Ravens Wood School

Overview

Ravens Wood School continues to be a good school, offering an ambitious curriculum that matches or exceeds national expectations. Pupils feel safe and well looked after, benefiting from high staff expectations and a supportive environment that promotes positive behaviour and inclusivity.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "well-designed" and "ambitious," with leaders ensuring pupils build knowledge over time through regular opportunities to "revisit and consolidate" learning.
• Staff have "strong subject knowledge" and present information clearly, helping pupils, including those with SEND, to develop a "secure body of knowledge and skills."
• Behaviour is "orderly" and lessons are "rarely disrupted," with sixth-form students acting as "positive role models" for younger pupils.
• The school provides an "extensive range of activities" and ensures an "inclusive approach," allowing all pupils to represent the school in sports and other pursuits.
• Leaders provide "high-quality support" for staff and maintain effective strategic oversight, ensuring staff workload is considered.

Areas to improve

• In a few subjects, teachers do not spend sufficient time embedding foundational knowledge, meaning pupils do not remember content securely. Leaders should ensure units are covered in "sufficient depth" with enough practice opportunities.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with clear reporting systems, well-trained staff, and close collaboration with external agencies to ensure pupils feel safe.