Harington School

Further education and skills inspection report

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Outcome

Harington School continues to be an outstanding provider.

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Information about this provider

Harington School is a 16 to 19 academy located in Oakham, Rutland. It is part of the Rutland and district schools’ federation. At the time of the inspection, 328 learners were enrolled, with 170 learners in Year 12 and 158 learners in Year 13. There are fewer than five learners in receipt of high-needs funding.

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Information about this provider

Learners study a combination of academic A-level subjects. Most learners study a combination of three A-level subjects, choosing from 18 different subjects offered by the school. A small number of learners study four A-level subjects, with most opting to study further mathematics as their fourth subject. The courses with the largest number of learners are mathematics, psychology and history.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Leaders are aspirational for students, and they set exceptionally high standards. Consequently, learners work very hard. Their behaviour, attendance and punctuality are excellent. Learners are respectful, highly motivated and consistently work hard to achieve their goals.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Students benefit from extensive, high-quality academic enrichment opportunities, including Young Enterprise, DocSoc, GreenPower and Cybersecurity. They also have access to a wide range of extra-curricular activities that support their physical and mental well-being. These experiences enhance students’ knowledge, resilience and confidence and ensure they are very well-prepared for their next steps. Students say the school is ‘shaping who they are and who they want to be’.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Students are highly satisfied with the exceptional education and support they receive at Harington. Their teachers challenge and inspire them to reach their highest potential. Students thrive at Harington. They feel safe and study in an environment of like-minded peers who are equally committed to their academic studies. 5 and 6 March 2025

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better?

Leaders and governors are exceptionally effective. They have a clear and ambitious vision for delivering high-quality, inclusive education. This permeates throughout the school. Leaders and staff take pride in a curriculum that allows students from all backgrounds to grow into well-rounded individuals who achieve excellent academic results.

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better?

Leaders and teachers offer exceptional learning experiences and opportunities. They provide a diverse range of academic qualifications that meet the needs of students effectively. The comprehensive, well-rounded curriculum supports both academic and social development. As a result, almost all students progress successfully on to higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

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better?

Teachers design a rich academic curriculum that goes beyond the core topics required for A-level study. For example, A-level history students benefit from talks with Holocaust specialists and visits to Belgium and the Imperial War Museum, which help provide an extensive understanding of the impact of war. These well- matched, subject-related enrichment activities ensure students develop a comprehensive understanding of the subjects they study.

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better?

Teachers are experts. Students benefit greatly from teachers who are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. Teachers plan and teach interesting and challenging lessons. In A-level computer science, teachers continually challenge students to problem-solve when writing code and increase the complexity of projects. Students produce excellent work.

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better?

Teachers use a variety of well-planned assessment strategies, including retrieval quizzes, weekly homework and formal mock exams, to track students’ understanding and reinforce learning. They make excellent use of this data to adapt and plan their lessons. Teachers are skilled in using direct questioning to assess students’ knowledge and review key concepts from previous lessons. They have a clear understanding of students’ knowledge and address any gaps or misconceptions very effectively.

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better?

Leaders provide an excellent and well-designed careers programme tailored to students’ aspirations. Students benefit from a wide range of high-quality, career- focused activities, including meaningful work experience, academic enrichment, guest speakers and mock interviews. Students have a clear understanding of the choices available to them. They make confident, well-informed decisions based on the guidance they receive.

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better?

Leaders use their highly rigorous quality assurance procedures to drive improvements very effectively. Leaders and governors have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Senior leaders are quick to intervene when subject performance falls below their very high expectations. 5 and 6 March 2025

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. 5 and 6 March 2025

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Provider details

Address Huntsmans Drive Catmose Campus Oakham Rutland LE15 6RP

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Principal, CEO or equivalent

Stuart Williams (CEO) Oliver Teasel (Head of School)

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Principal, CEO or equivalent

Date of previous inspection 17 to 19 January 2017

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Principal, CEO or equivalent

Main subcontractors None 5 and 6 March 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection was the first short inspection carried out since Harington School was judged to be outstanding in January 2017.

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the head of school, as nominee. Inspectors took account of the provider’s most recent transformation plan and development plans, and the previous inspection report. The inspection was carried out using the further education and skills inspection handbook and took into account all relevant provision at the provider. Inspectors collected a wide range of evidence to inform judgements, including visiting learning sessions, scrutinising learners’ work, seeking the views of learners, staff and other stakeholders, and examining the provider’s documentation and records.

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Inspection team

Nikki Brady, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Alison Loxton Ofsted Inspector 5 and 6 March 2025

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regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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