Solihull School

Pupils' level of attendance is very good and enables them to take full advantage of the many opportunities offered by the school. Records of attendance are properly kept and levels of absence are extremely low. Attendance and admissions registers are correctly maintained.

Methods used for assessing and recording pupils' achievement, progress and needs, are accurate, consistent and generally informative. Thorough and comprehensive series of nationally recognised and diagnostic tests enable all pupils' progress to be effectively tracked. Test results on entry to the school are used to identify those who may need additional support or extension work

The curriculum offers a broad and balanced general education, well suited to all pupils across the full age and ability ranges. It is enriched by valuable opportunities in creative subjects and for modern language study, as well as a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Equality of access and opportunity is assured. Pupils with particular educational needs receive good support, and challenging tasks are set for the more able.

Teaching staff are well qualified and experienced and are deployed to good advantage. Good relationships contribute to the school's positive atmosphere. A good balance is maintained between class teachers and specialist subject teachers, including useful input from senior school staff.

The valuable and greatly appreciated contribution of administrative and support staff is committed and enthusiastic. Staff appraisal, development and training are all carefully managed, through appropriate budget arrangements and allocation of time.

The books, equipment and ICT, which are needed to support the learning, teaching, study and recreation of the pupils, are very good in quality, quantity and organisation, and are used well.

Pupils enjoy access to very good indoor and outdoor facilities and to several shared whole school facilities.

Library facilities offer good support for the curriculum and are effectively and regularly used. The main library is easily accessible by all, is well funded and carries a good variety of both fiction and non-fiction stock. It is supported by classroom and some departmental libraries, as well as access to CD ROMs. Library administration and review is efficient and thorough, and includes the involvement of pupils.

Buildings, accommodation and other facilities are very good and well suited to the number, abilities and ages of the pupils. They are imaginatively used and enable the curriculum to be taught effectively. Accommodation is attractive, spacious and in good decorative order. Much thought has gone into the provision of additional facilities, including ICT suite and library, but also in readiness for the forthcoming change to coeducation.

Access to indoor and outdoor sports facilities is very good, as is that to other whole school areas for which bookings may be made. Extensive display areas provide excellent evidence of the comprehensive variety of pupils' academic and creative work and achievements.

The school has developed a very effective partnership with parents and very worthwhile links with the community. Parental response to an ISI questionnaire distributed ahead of the inspection indicated overwhelming satisfaction with almost all aspects of provision, including the curriculum, range of activities, teaching staff, pastoral care and general academic quality of the school. The survey was very supportive of the school overall, and the inspectors' impressions are of significant strengths in important areas and of a committed and supportive parent body.

Relationships with the local community, who have good access to the school for particular occasions, are very good, as is contact with the wider community, nationally and internationally, through good works and cultural links. Pupils enjoy a comprehensive programme of academic and cultural visits, as well as sporting links with local schools.

The school cares very successfully for pupils' well being, development and safety, through its arrangements for pastoral support, guidance, welfare, and for health and safety, to which parents testify warmly.

Pupils' academic progress and personal development are provided for and monitored efficiently. The school fosters good discipline and behaviour as part of its positive and purposeful atmosphere.

Arrangements for health and safety are very good. Risk assessments and checks are made regularly, and the school complies with all relevant safety and hazard requirements.

The range and quality of activities are very good. Some 40 different choices enable pupils to develop their talents, extend their skills and widen their interests. Activities represent many facets of development, including creative, cultural, physical and recreational pursuits, and high standards are often achieved.

The very effective leadership, management and organisation of activities are underpinned by the enthusiastic and committed participation of all staff.