Ofsted reports

The last Ofsted full school inspection at Longdean School took place in December 2015 and the last school inspection took place in November 2019. There are four Ofsted ratings and in both these reports, Ofsted rated Longdean as a 'good' school. Ofsted defines a good school as one that ”provides well for the needs of its pupils and prepares them effectively for the next stage of their education or employment”. 

The 2019 report highlights the school's:

Caring, inclusive environment:
“This is a large, friendly school... Pupils, parents and staff say that they enjoy being part of its community... Pupils are proud of their school and say that they would recommend it to younger pupils.”

“Behaviour is good in lessons and at breaktimes. Pupils are kind to each other... and staff ensure that the school welcomes everybody.”

Quality teaching and broad curriculum:
“Pupils enjoy their lessons because teachers plan interesting activities for them... Many subjects have trips and extra activities... Teachers plan a good sequence of learning for the whole of Key Stages 3 and 4.”

“Pupils and parents like that pupils can study lots of extra subjects at GCSE, such as Fashion, Photography and Engineering.”

Support for all learners: 
The school wants all its pupils to meet their full potential."Leaders ensure that pupils who need extra help are well supported. For example, there is a group in Year 7 to support pupils with extra reading and writing... Staff are ambitious for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).” 

“Leaders design ambitious pathways for pupils to study. For example, there is extra provision for pupils in Year 7 who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.”

Effective safeguarding: 
“Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe from harm including online... They say they feel safe at school and are confident to speak to staff when they are worried.”

Successful sixth form
”Students in the sixth form achieve well... enjoy their studies and are well supported... The relationships between staff and students are very positive.”

“Staff provide students with helpful information and guidance about next steps.”

Positive leadership
“Pupils and parents respect the school leaders who are ambitious for all pupils and expect them to do their best.”

“Staff are proud of their school. They say that leaders are caring and supportive and show genuine concern for staff workload and well-being.”

”Staff and parents appreciate the way leaders talk to them about major changes planned for the coming years.”

Making improvements
The attendance and achievement of disadvantaged pupils was one area that Ofsted stated the school needed to work on and Longdean has taken this on board and continues to make progress to meet the needs of these children.

Both the 2019 and 2015 Ofsted reports can be downloaded from Ofsted’s site.