Totton: Hounsdown School re-inspected after Outstanding rating

Hounsdown School in Jacob's Gutter Lane, Totton went through an ungraded inspection in March.

Although it continues to be rated 'Outstanding', inspectors found that should they carry out a graded inspection instead, the rating might change.

The report says: “There has been no change to this school’s overall judgement of outstanding as a result of this ungraded inspection.

“However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might not be as high.”

Despite this, pupils are said to be proud to attend the school.

READ MORE: The Southampton schools rated 'inadequate' or 'requires improvement'

Headteacher David Veal said the report "reflects a school to be proud of and one I am humbled to serve as headteacher".

One parent described the staff as "kind and thoughtful" while the report added that leaders support students in pursuing their talents and interests as well as their academic targets.

Leaders were praised for the "exceptional" education provided as well as their determination to support all pupils to do their best while learning.

Aerial image of Hounsdown School in Totton (Image: Hounsdown School)

READ MORE: Ofsted inspection 'captured the very essence of our school'

The school is also considered safe thanks to the high expectations for behaviour.

Most students “are confident that bullying is quickly and effectively managed”.

Students with special educational needs are accurately identified and staff provide the best support to students, inspectors found.

For some students, this means their curriculum is adapted to help them and make sure they benefit from extra support.

However, inspectors highlighted some concerns with the application of the curriculum.

Stay up to date with our daily Morning Briefing email newsletter

The report said: “The implementation of the curriculum is not consistent across some subjects.

“This means that within some subjects, pupils are not well supported to learn the intended curriculum. As a result, some pupils have clear gaps in their knowledge.”

Hounsdown School Headteacher, David Veal (Image: Hounsdown School)

READ MORE: All the Ofsted ratings for secondary schools in Southampton - list

In response to the latest Ofsted evaluation, headteacher David Veal said: “It is fantastic to see our values of kindness and respect reflected in the comments made by parents and students during the recent inspection.”

Mr Veal added: “We value the focus from the inspection on our own continual improvement, regardless of the outcome or grading.

“We are working hard to ensure even greater consistency in our curriculum delivery through spreading best practices between staff, focusing on the most effective feedback to students and on reviewing what we can do better with students directly.

“For all schools nationally, these are challenging times with recruitment pressures and spiralling costs.

“Schools are also still managing the implications of so much disrupted learning time for young people in the last few years.

“However, the capacity and talent of Hounsdown students is a real inspiration and supporting this is key in helping them develop resilience and broader life skills.”