The Mendip School

Overview

The report confirms the school remains ‘good’, noting that evidence suggests it might achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. Leaders deliver an ‘ambitious curriculum’ closely tailored to pupils’ needs, resulting in strong academic and personal development. The school provides ‘strong pastoral support’ and prepares pupils exceptionally well for independent living and future employment.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘closely tailored to pupils’ learning and development needs’, with ‘very precise teaching’ in early years that develops communication and physical skills ‘superbly’.
• Leaders are ‘highly knowledgeable’ and use data ‘astutely’ to ensure the curriculum is ‘ever improving’, combining academic and life-skills pathways.
• Pupils receive ‘effective careers education’ and vocational qualifications, with sixth-form provision focusing on ‘life skills for employment and independent living’.
• Behaviour and attendance are monitored closely; the ‘vast majority of pupils attend exceptionally well’ and are described as ‘polite, helpful and respectful’.
• Safeguarding arrangements are ‘effective’, with a culture that ‘puts pupils’ interests first’.

Areas to improve

• The report states that ‘sustaining and strengthening relationships with parents remains a top priority’, particularly during current curriculum enhancements and changes to sixth-form provision.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.