Bow School and Sixth Form Recognised as Good by Ofsted

Once again, we are delighted to share that our school has been awarded Good status by Ofsted.

In September 2023, Bow School underwent an Ofsted inspection, with the published report praising leadership, students’ progress and achievements, the quality of teaching, the blossoming sixth form and the provision for both disadvantaged students and those with additional needs.

The report highlighted significant strengths, including:

Quality of Education

• The curriculum is broad and is broad and ambitious. It matches and sometimes exceeds the requirements of the national curriculum.
• The school provides an engaging, relevant curriculum that equips pupils for becoming responsible, active citizens.
• The school has made sure that the curriculum reflects the community and its diversity, and also aims at expanding pupils’ horizons.
• The school ensures that no pupil is left behind.
• The curriculum is inclusive and empowering.
• Teachers’ subject knowledge is strong.

Behaviour and Attitudes
• Inspectors noted leaders ‘high aspirations’ recognising that these are ‘embraced by pupils’.
• Inspectors commented that pupils ‘behave respectfully and are keen to learn’.
• Pupils appreciate that staff seek and consider their views.
• Pupils take pride in their work... Pupils positive attitudes to learning are reflected in attendance and punctuality rates.
• Behaviour throughout the school is calm and considerate.
• Staff say that they are proud to work at the school. They are enthusiastic about improvements in recent years. Staff say that leaders and governors are approachable.

Sixth Form
• Students in the growing sixth form succeed in their studies.
Many go on to top universities and successful careers.
• The quality of education in the sixth form is good.
• The sixth form offers courses that meet the range of students’ needs and interests.

World and Career Ready
• The school is determined to prepare pupils for the next stage of life and learning.
• In lessons and beyond, there is a wealth of opportunities for pupils to develop their cultural capital.
• Pupils learn the school values of respect, determination, adaptability, curiosity and responsibility. These are woven through the pastoral curriculum and are evident in
classroom interactions.
• Pupils are well prepared for the next stages of their lives and studies. The comprehensive personal development programme covers all aspects of citizenship.
• The careers programme is carefully woven through tutor periods, assemblies and subject lessons in each year group encouraging pupils to regularly consider their futures.
• There is a real wealth of enrichment activities available…The majority of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND, take part in the extracurricular offer. There are also numerous school trips.
• Pupils and sixth form students appreciate the scope to develop as leaders and to contribute to the wider life of the school and community. This includes outreach work
to feeder primary schools and sports leadership. Some pupils and sixth form students have become mental health ambassadors.
• Pupils and sixth form students are safe.

“ Pupils enjoy coming to this ambitious, forward looking school, where they become world-ready and career-ready.” Ofsted, 2023