A recent Ofsted inspection of Carisbrooke College has found that the school is still considered to require improvement.
The last full inspection at Carisbrooke College took place in 2019 when the school was found to ‘require improvement’.
Now, 4 years later, inspectors state that ‘this is an improving school’ and highlight the many strengths of staff and the strategies in place to support students, although the overall assessment remains that the school still ‘requires improvement’.
The report says that ‘pupils learn in a calm and orderly environment. Their achievements are celebrated and rewarded’ and continues with positive comments about pupils’ focus in lessons, their enjoyment of a wide range of topics and their praise for the importance placed on learning about positive relationships.
The report also highlights that ‘pupils’ behaviour in lessons and around the school is positive. Adults have high expectations and help pupils to meet these in a calm, collaborative way’ and states that ‘pupils are encouraged to develop their individual interests and talents beyond classroom learning.’ It also recognises that ‘leaders have made sure that safeguarding is central to the work of all staff.’
Inspectors commend the improvement strategies that have been implemented, such as subject curriculums and lesson formats and note that ‘staff are proud to work at the school and share leaders’ commitment to the school’s improvement journey.’
However, the report also says that ‘while leaders have focused on making improvements to the quality of the curriculum and teaching, this has not yet led to pupils receiving a good quality of learning across the school.’
It states that ‘while the intent for a carefully sequenced curriculum is planned, the implementation of this is not consistent across every subject. Pupils therefore do not always build on their prior learning and do not achieve as well as they should.’
The report goes on to say that ‘leaders have not ensured that teachers use assessment consistently well to check pupils’ learning of the intended curriculum. This mean that teachers are not always clear about the gaps in pupils’ understanding and so these often remain unchallenged. Consequently, pupils do not achieve as well as they should.’
Head of School, Karen Begley, said:
“We welcomed the Ofsted inspectors into our school in May and I am pleased that they were able to witness the strengths of our community. We remain relentlessly committed to further improving the experiences of our young people and ensuring that they obtain the very best possible outcomes.”
Matthew Parr-Burman, Executive Headteacher for the Isle of Wight Education Federation said:
“Carisbrooke College is firmly committed to providing the best possible education and, as the report suggests, will continue to implement and embed improvement strategies and ensure consistency across all areas.”
“We are ambitious for our young people and want them to achieve even higher in the future. I am proud of the progress that is evident within this report and the hard work and dedication of our staff.”
