Shaftesbury High School
Ofsted inspection "GOOD"
The school was last inspected on 23rd & 24th April 2025.
OUTCOME: "Shaftesbury High School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection". The inspection framework is extremely rigorous and we are delighted that Ofsted recognised all the hard work by staff as well as the commitment of parents.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL DO WELL?
- Staff treat pupils respectfully and with kindness . They know each pupil extremely well. This contributes significantly to pupil's growing self esteem and to their confidence.
- Pupils engage purposefully in lessons . Across the school, pupils behave well.
- The school equips pupils with the tools and strong foundations for their next step in life. It aligns vocational opportunities with each pupil's interests and goals.
- Pupils know that staff believe in them. They appreciate the consistent, calm and positive approach to behaviour that staff provide.
- Pupils know that skilled staff, with the assistance of Walter the therapy dog, are on hand to help t hem if they are feeling unsettled or anxious.
- The school is constantly seeking different ways to support those pupils with lower rates of attendance to overcome barriers which prevent them from attending school regularly.
- Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps after finishing school.
- Staff feel valued, listened to and appreciated.
- Leaders, and members of the management committee sensitively consider the well being and workload of all staff.
- Daily staff briefings ensure that staff can share and discuss any concerns and receive support from their colleagues and leaders. The management committee has a strong understanding of the school's work.
View our current & previous Ofsted reports. A printed copy of the report can be requested by contacting the school office on 01257 249803.
Ofsted Parent Parent View Results
BACKGROUND: Until September 2024, on a graded (section 5) inspection Ofsted gave schools an overall effectiveness grade, in addition to the key and provision judgements. Overall effectiveness grades given before September 2024 will continue to be visible on school inspection reports and on Ofsted’s website. From September 2024 graded inspections will not include an overall effectiveness grade. This school was, before September 2024, judged to be good for its overall effectiveness.
Ofsted have now inspected the school to determine whether it has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at that previous inspection. This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if Ofsted find evidence that a school’s work has improved significantly or that it may not be as strong as it was at the last inspection, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection. A graded inspection is carried out under section 5 of the Act. Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If Ofsted have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, they will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately. This is the first ungraded inspection since Ofsted judged the school to be good for overall effectiveness in October 2019.
View OFSTED Results by School
To search by school, just type in the name of the school and any part of the school’s address (street, city or postcode) in the search boxes here.