Our School is celebrating its success following the publication of a new Ofsted report in which the secondary school is rated ‘Good’ in every category.

Devizes School has been part of The White Horse Federation since 2012 and this is the second full inspection since 2015, when the school was also rated ‘Good’ in all areas.

In the new report, inspectors noted that students at Devizes are “polite, considerate and respectful”, praising students for their familiarity with the school’s values of courage, pride and resilience.

Ofsted also highlighted the school’s “ambitious” curriculum for pupils, noting that students respond well to “high expectations” from staff and that “pupils are successful in public examinations”.

The report also praises the “strong subject knowledge” of teaching staff and the “high-quality work” students produce. This is also reflected in students’ outcomes, which are above the national average.
 
Other highlights include:

  • The school is calm and orderly. Lessons are free of disruption.
  • Students respect those from different backgrounds. They are actively encouraged at the school to treat everyone equally.
  • Students are offered a broad range of opportunities beyond the classroom. The school makes sure these are accessible to all. These include extra-curricular clubs such as debating, netball and gardening. Sixth-form students run some of these clubs.
  • Students are beginning to feel a stronger sense of identity within their house teams. They enjoy participating in house competitions.
  • The trust (The White Horse Federation) works proactively with the school, offering guidance and expertise.
  • Staff, including early career teachers, are proud to be part of the school. They value the support of leaders.

 
Mr. David Cooper, Executive Headteacher at Devizes School, said:
 
“I am delighted that the staff and students of Devizes School have been given the recognition they deserve for creating a school community where we are polite and respectful, and also ambitious for one another to succeed.
 
“I am very proud of the academic successes of our students, but I am equally pleased by the fact that the inspectors noted the wide range of enrichment activities that they participate in, and that our strong programme of personal development prepares them well for their future careers.
 
“The inspection was carried out in a very thorough manner, and the summary that inspectors have provided is both fair and accurate.”
 
Mr. B. Cave, Associate Headteacher at Devizes School, said:
“Everyone at the school is very proud of the outcome from Ofsted’s visit. It is right and proper that the school - and everyone associated with it - has been recognised for the work they do for our young people and local community.
“Having worked with the school since 2020 I am personally delighted that Ofsted share our views on our ambition, culture and standards. The whole process was very useful, and inspires us to continue in our journey to provide for all young people here at Devizes.”
 
Dr Dan Nicholls, CEO of The White Horse Federation, said:
“I am delighted and proud to see that Ofsted have recognised the amazing achievements of students and colleagues at Devizes School as well as the positive, welcoming culture that is a feature of the school. This is the result of the commitment of all colleagues to all students, families and the community, over time.” 
“As part of White Horse, Devizes School continues to provide high quality education and provision that inspires lives with greater opportunity and choice.”