Sandhurst School

Sandhurst School challenges, supports and inspires every individual to achieve their best; a sense of belonging is encouraged, responsibility is shared and everyone is valued.

Background Information

Sandhurst is an 11-18 mixed comprehensive academy and part of the Corvus Learning Trust. The school is situated on the south eastern fringe of Berkshire at the borders with Surrey and Hampshire. Established in 1969, it serves the largely residential areas of Sandhurst, Owlsmoor and College Town, all of which have grown significantly since the school opened. A number of our students are drawn from the nearby Royal Military Academy. We have a friendly and supportive school which aims to encourage its students in the pursuit of excellence and where personal achievement and respect for others is recognised.

In November 2017 Ofsted reported that:

· “The Headteacher, leaders and governors are committed to improving pupils’ life chances”

· “Pupils’ conduct is typically good and they treat one another with respect”

· “Pupils feel safe and are kept safe”

· “Pupils are well looked after and are provided with the opportunity to succeed”

· “Strong relationships exist between staff and pupils”

There is a wide range of specialist accommodation, including excellent sporting facilities such as floodlit astroturf and hard court, tennis areas as well as a gymnasium and sports hall. Our school hall meets the standards of a professional auditorium and this, along with a well-equipped drama studio and music rooms, encourages large numbers of students to participate in school productions and concerts.

The SEN Department supports students with a wide range of learning and SEMH challenges, this can be the result of long-term absence, specific SEN need or difficulty engaging with mainstream education. The department has dedicated staff who work with these students, they lead interventions and offer bespoke support.

We have 3 curriculum Computing teaching rooms, 3 other small PC rooms and an open area for independent use of computers. All other subject areas access have access to mobile laptop trolleys and Chromebooks served by the school’s extensive wireless network. Additionally, every classroom has a digital projector and every teacher has a laptop.

The school’s virtual learning environment, Google Classroom, is a valuable resource for learning also enabling parents to support their child with homework and ensures that ICT continues to play a central role in students’ experience of a dynamic and relevant curriculum. The school holds the ICT Mark in recognition of its good practice.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning is organised through subject departments. Subject Leaders, together with the Senior Leadership Team, enjoy a collaborative approach to curriculum development that ensures we can successfully combine new approaches with existing good practice. Over the past few years we have extended the range of pathways available to students and our priorities at present include personalising learning to meet the needs of every student. We believe that the keys to addressing this are harnessing the potential of new technologies, genuinely listening to the student voice and placing AfL firmly at the heart of our curricular plans.

High priority is given to supporting students with special needs, in mainstream classes wherever possible.

Students and Parents

The school is organised on a house basis with four houses, each with a Head of House and Deputy. The Heads of Houses with the House tutors are responsible for the welfare and progress of the students. Our tutoring system promotes cohesion and co-operation within the school.

Parents’ meetings are held regularly (progress reports are issued for all students). There are year group evenings when subject teachers meet parents. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they have any concerns and to work in partnership with us to achieve success for their children.

School uniform is compulsory for Years 7-11.

A weekly news review containing school news and achievements, is published online every week.

Staff Development

We place a high priority on the professional development of our staff and we always look to meet the training needs of individuals. Each year all staff will be expected to review their work and discuss their objectives for the future.

Committees and working parties enable staff to contribute to the development of the school in addition to the subject and pastoral team meetings.

High professional standards in both conduct and appearance are expected of all staff.

The school has a no-smoking policy.

Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Leadership Team is responsible for the development of whole school policy and meet twice weekly.

A comprehensive School Development Plan is prepared annually and monitored consistently throughout the year. Each subject and pastoral team contributes to the improvement plan by drawing up an annual action plan which is similarly monitored throughout the year.

The School

We have high expectations in standards of behaviour and appearance but at the same time we are sensitive to the needs of all those who work here, staff and students. It is a friendly environment but there is a purposeful working atmosphere. A good humoured professional approach is adopted by the staff which sets the culture and ethos for the students. A culture of mutual respect is encouraged and support through teamwork is a feature of the school.

We have a good school and we always seek to improve what we do. Teachers are encouraged to take initiative and to contribute to development activities. We also have a highly committed support staff.

It is a lively community where people enjoy their work.

Sandhurst School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. All staff employed by the Corvus Learning Trust in contact with children/young people or vulnerable adults must be aware that an enhanced DBS check will be undertaken.

Sandhurst School welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Mr Gareth Croxon

Headteacher

September 2023