Vanguard School

Overview

Vanguard School has established a “caring and supportive culture” following a period of disruption caused by leadership changes. The report highlights that pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes to their learning” and feel “safe” within a community where staff genuinely have their “best interests at heart.”

Strengths

• The school delivers an “ambitious curriculum” that ensures pupils acquire the “foundational knowledge” needed for formal qualifications, with special attention to vocabulary.
• Reading has been successfully raised in profile, with staff creating numerous opportunities for pupils to become “more confident readers.”
• Pupils benefit from ample opportunities to develop talents through clubs and work experience, which build “communication and resilience.”
• Sixth-form students receive effective guidance, leading to a “significant number” gaining places in education, employment, or training.
• Staff use consistent, positive language and regular “check-ins” to help pupils manage emotions, resulting in improved attendance and behaviour.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, the curriculum lacks sufficient detail regarding what pupils need to know and the order of teaching, preventing logical knowledge building.
• Leaders must strengthen communication strategies so that the whole community clearly understands the school’s vision, progress, and the rationale behind recent changes.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”