Blanchelande College is praised in school inspection

The school met all five of ISI’s key area standards under the body’s new inspection framework, which does not provide overall grades but instead focuses on whether schools meet specific standards in five key areas, including leadership and management, quality of education, and the physical, mental and emotional health of students.

‘The inspection report highlights and recognises Blanchelande’s strong leadership, its key principles and ethos that shape our school community and positively reflects the high standards we aim for,’ said Blanchelande principal Alexa Yeoman.

The report found the school’s ‘close-knit’ environment contributed to a tangible sense of community and self-worth, with pupils making good progress from their starting points to both GCSE and A-level.

Blanchelande leaders demonstrated a clear vision for the school’s development by engaging in thorough monitoring and self-evaluation. Governors provided ‘suitable’ challenge and support to ensure leaders fulfilled their responsibilities, inspectors found.

‘Leaders create a welcoming and supportive environment which is successful in fostering pupils’ personal development,’ the report said.

The school’s curriculum – which since its last inspection has grown to include provision for sixth form students – was found to be broad, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of all pupils.

The well-developed nature of pupils’ scientific skills was singled out for specific praise, with all three sciences being taught at GCSE.

Lessons in the junior school featured a wide variety of opportunities for discussions, reading aloud and the development of knowledge of the sounds that letters made.

‘This supports pupils to make good progress and to become increasingly confident in their skills of communication, alongside learning how to research independently and present their findings,’ the report said.

It added pupils’ speaking and listening skills were 'strong', and they were socially and linguistically adept.

However, in some lessons there were limited opportunities for pupils to use their initiative and develop their thinking skills.

The needs of the 165 pupils who had special educational needs or disabilities were well understood by teachers, but some variability existed in how strategies to support them were implemented. The report said that teachers did not always have the information to support their planning.

Regarding the physical, mental and emotional health support the school offered pupils, the inspection found good behaviour was promoted effectively, with ​clear policies and procedures in place to manage behaviour and prevent bullying.

The school promoted a culture of respect and understanding among pupils, with pupils having access to multiple adults for support and concerns.

Leaders prioritised physical development through timetabled sport, extra-curricular activities and a culture that ‘valued engagement in physical activity’.

‘This results in pupils enjoying sport and supports their physical development,’ the report said.

The school had robust safeguarding measures in place, which ensured the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.

​Staff were trained in safeguarding procedures, and pupils were educated on safety, including when online.

​Leaders also conducted thorough recruitment checks and maintained accurate records.

​Mrs Yeoman said the school was ‘delighted’ with the results of the inspection.

‘I would like to acknowledge the outstanding commitment of our staff, whose dedication and passion are evident throughout this report,’ she said.

‘I am also thankful to our parents for their continued support, and to our exceptional pupils, who truly embody our school’s mission of being “part of a family, one of a kind” that celebrates individual learning alongside a collaborative and respectful environment.’

She added the school would embrace the recommendations as part of its continuing development.