Extracts from Ofsted Inspection Report 
Inspection date(s) 7 May 2009
Overall effectiveness of the school
Tuxford is an outstanding school which has improved markedly since its last inspection in 2006.
The achievement of current students is outstanding, including those who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The school's specialist subjects make a substantial contribution to the improvement in overall standards and progress, and provision in English has also improved distinctly since the last inspection.
The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Teachers have very good subject knowledge and plan lessons thoroughly, setting high expectations and matching objectives to students' attainment. The exceptional relationships in classes give students confidence and ensure that they work together very effectively. In the very best lessons, students are challenged to work independently, to think deeply and to take responsibility for their learning. Teachers use an excellent range of activities to make learning interesting and thus students make outstanding progress. Generally, lessons are organised well and teachers maintain a brisk pace. The use of assessment in learning is a priority for the school and it has improved dramatically since the last inspection.
The curriculum is kept constantly under review and makes an excellent contribution to raising achievement. The new buildings and specialist status have been used very effectively as a catalyst for change. Most impressive is the extensive flexibility and increasingly personalised curriculum provision for individuals, particularly those who are at risk of underachieving. There is an excellent range of enrichment activities, events, trips and themed days which complement the curriculum and ensure that students gain experience outside lessons.
Students' personal development is outstanding. They have a very clear understanding of right and wrong and show respect for each other. There are relatively few instances of bullying and students say that they are dealt with effectively and that they feel safe. The excellent relationships in the school enable students to enjoy their learning and to succeed. Overall, community values are strong in this inclusive school which students happily describe as being like a 'family'. Behaviour is excellent and leads to very positive attitudes to learning. Attendance continues to improve and is well above average.
Outstanding leadership and management provide the school with a very clear direction and have ensured significant and continuous improvement. The systems for review and evaluation of the school's performance at all levels are excellent. The school sets very challenging targets for students and for its performance, often beyond those for the top 25% of schools nationally.
Effectiveness of the sixth form
The sixth form is good and improving steadily. A good proportion of students transfer from Year 11 and the curriculum provided for them is exceptional in meeting individual needs. Applied and vocational subjects are successful and complement effective academic courses, allowing students to develop personalised combinations. Students' progress is tracked rigorously and results in increasingly personalised support to ensure progress. Guidance is outstanding and gives students confidence when moving on to the next stage of their education or into employment. Teaching is good and some is outstanding, leading to good progress. Students' personal development is excellent and they make an extremely positive contribution to the life of the school, frequently leading initiatives and providing support as peer mentors or reading buddies. They take great pride in their school.
What the school should do to improve further
- Extend students' awareness and understanding across the curriculum of the elements of different faiths and cultures in the United Kingdom to promote community cohesion further.
- Improve communication with parents to ensure they are better informed and to seek their views about the school's innovations and development.
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