A RECENT Ofsted inspection has highlighted the need for curriculum improvements at Kingsmead School.

This follows a two-day inspection of the school in Wiveliscombe in December.

The school was rated as ‘good’ in behaviour and attitudes as well as personal development of its students, but inspectors found the school requires improvement in the quality of education and in its leadership and management.

The report highlighted “inconsistencies” in how well the curriculum is being delivered.

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It said that a lack of sufficient systems in place to accurately monitor and review the quality of education means the school is “unclear” of what is working well and where further improvements may be needed.

Despite the school revising its curriculum, inspectors found in some subjects the school has not set out precisely what knowledge pupils will gain and in which order which the report said led sometimes to pupils repeating work they have already covered rather than deepening their understanding further.

However the report praised the school for raising its expectations for pupils’ behaviour.

“There are clear rewards and consequences that are used fairly to reinforce what is acceptable,” the report said.

“While suspensions have been high, they are falling dramatically as pupils are better supported to manage their behaviour.”

The report also highlighted the success of the school’s career and personal development programme, “designed to prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain.”

Headteacher John Eddy said: “The inspectors met with several groups of students and spoke to many of them in lessons and across social times. Students were polite, thoughtful, articulate and proud of their school.

“Whilst very pleased that the work of the staff has been recognised, we are in no way complacent.

“Ofsted recognised that we have identified the correct areas for our continued work in order to provide the very best education for our children.”

The report added: “Recently, the school has accurately highlighted priorities for improvement. It has sought the views of staff, pupils and parents to guide decisions.

“This includes being considerate of staff workload and well-being. The impact of changes in some areas, such as behaviour, are clear. In other areas, changes are only just beginning to secure improvements.”

Click here to read the full report on the Ofsted website.