Downlands Community School in Hassocks ‘incredibly proud’ after publication of Ofsted inspection report

The July 7 report for the comprehensive secondary school in Dale Avenue was published on Wednesday, September 9.

The report awarded the school a ‘strong standard’ in the categories: achievement, curriculum and teaching, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing. The school received ‘expected standard’ ratings for the categories: attendance and behaviour and inclusion.

The report said pupils ‘achieve well’ and said their examination performance is ‘well above the national average’.

It said: “Leaders’ clear oversight and expectations help to ensure consistently high-quality teaching across the school. The curriculum is precisely organised so that pupils’ new learning builds securely on what has gone before.”

The school said staff are particularly happy that the report recognised Downlands’ ‘inclusive culture’. The report said: “Leaders at all levels promote high expectations, inclusion and equal opportunities.”

The report also recognised a positive, safe and supportive culture at the school, calling Downlands ‘a calm place that many pupils describe as a community’. It added: “The school’s values promote resilience, optimism, community, kindness and self-awareness.”

The report also highlighted the next steps the school should take, saying: “Leaders should make sure that they continue to embed their successful strategies to improve pupils’ attendance, particularly disadvantaged pupils and those who are persistently absent.

“Leaders should further strengthen the systems used to identify the needs of vulnerable pupils and appropriately respond to these needs, so that all these pupils achieve consistently well.”

A school spokesperson told this newspaper: “One of the most pleasing messages within the report is the recognition of the care and support that pupils receive. Inspectors found that pupils feel safe, supported and valued, benefit from strong pastoral care, and enjoy a wide range of opportunities that prepare them exceptionally well for life beyond school.

“We are incredibly proud of what this report says about our school. It reflects the dedication of our staff, the support and challenge provided by governors, the trust and partnership of our families, and, above all, the character, ambition and kindness of our pupils.”

People can read the report at files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50311471.