Sandbach School has retained its 'good' rating in the latest Ofsted inspection but inspectors have recommended a graded inspection next time.

Ofsted says in its report just published "there has been no change to this school's overall judgement of good as a result of this ungraded (section 8) inspection.

"However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might not be as high if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now. Inspectors are recommending the next inspection to be a graded inspection."

The report pointed out three areas the school needed to improve on saying, "in some subjects in key stage 3, pupils do not learn the curriculum in sufficient depth. This means that some pupils are not as well prepared for key stage 4 as they could be. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is designed well across key stage 3. This is so that pupils can learn curriculum content in sufficient depth in readiness for the next stage of their education.

"In some subjects, leaders have not thought carefully enough about the knowledge that pupils should learn. This hinders teachers in designing learning that builds on what pupils already know. Leaders should ensure that, in these subjects, they identify the knowledge that pupils need in readiness for subsequent learning.

(Photo: Deborah Bowyer/Sandbach Nub News)

"Some pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, do not attend school as often as they should. These pupils have gaps in their knowledge. Leaders should embed their strategies to improve the rates of attendance of these pupils."

The school's headteacher, Sarah Burns, said she was pleased that there was no change in the school's grading and there was "a lot to celebrate" in the report. 

"Inspectors noted that there is "a strong safeguarding culture across the school" and following discussions with groups of pupils it was evident that "pupils felt happy and safe".  The school's new behaviour policy was complimented along with the "calm and friendly atmosphere" at breaks and lunch where pupils were seen sitting down to enjoy a "family lunch", she said. 

"The report confirmed the school's high expectations for pupils to achieve strong academic outcomes and there was lots of evidence of teachers with "strong subject knowledge" delivering the curriculum effectively, including in the sixth form.  

"The levels of high quality and innovative teaching at Sandbach School are reflected in our unique curriculum offer including courses such as the Cheshire Specialist Music Course and the Talented Athlete Program.  

"The pathways offered to students at Sandbach School are exceptional and inspectors commented that "leaders cater well for pupils' wider development.

"Sandbach School has carefully crafted an ambitious curriculum which has been specifically designed to meet the individual needs of boys and is reflective of the local area. Whilst recognising that currently Ofsted has a particular stance upon the curriculum, which is referenced in the report, we note that inspectors were unable to provide any specific instances where curriculum sequencing negatively impacted upon academic outcomes."

Mrs Burns added: "As an ambitious school, we are working hard to ensure that all students attend and benefit from all the school has to offer in a post covid landscape.  Sandbach School continues to offer "an abundance of extra-curricular activities" which inspectors noted help students at Sandbach School become "well-rounded Sandbachians". 

"In a challenging educational landscape, we are immensely proud of the achievements of the school, its pupils and staff and continue to strive to offer the best holistic educational experience for all of our students."

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