Ofsted has identified several areas that require attention at a secondary school in Bexley, where pupil performance consistently falls below national averages. Inspectors visited Welling School in February and highlighted six aspects that were not up to standard, including the curriculum, teaching, pupil achievement, attendance, and behaviour.
GCSE Performance Below National Average
The Ofsted report noted that GCSE grades at Welling School were consistently below national averages. Nationally, 45.4% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and Maths, but at Welling School, this figure was just 26.7% in the 2024/25 academic year. Inspectors found the greatest inconsistency across classes and subjects between Years 7 and 9. Pupils with lower attainment in these early years have gaps in knowledge that affect their readiness to complete work and prepare for GCSEs.
Sixth Form and Post-16 Curriculum
However, the school's post-16 curriculum was better, with sixth-form achievement typically close to national averages. This was the only area that met Ofsted's expected standards.
Attendance and Behaviour
Overall attendance rates at the school are consistently below the national average, but there is an improving trend for attendance and persistent absence. The school is analysing attendance data closely to drive improvement. Behaviour also needs improvement. The report stated that some support for pupils with behavioural needs is not as effective as it should be, meaning some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), struggle to engage fully with their learning. However, across many classes, pupils behave well and show positive attitudes. While suspensions remain high, they have declined over time.
Support for SEND Pupils
The school's treatment of SEND pupils and those with behavioural needs varies. Inspectors identified inconsistencies in how effectively pupils' needs are met, but also noted that the school offers a wide range of additional support, with measures being specific to pupils' needs and typically purposeful with the intended impact.
Leadership and Safeguarding
Ofsted inspectors said that leaders' actions have not had the impact needed to ensure high standards across the school. Some processes around inclusion, personal development, and wellbeing are not consistently robust. However, the report also acknowledged that leaders understand the school community well, act in pupils' best interests, and are committed to ensuring pupils feel positive about school life. Pupils typically feel positive about Welling School, with older pupils noting improvements over time and feeling well supported by staff. Safeguarding standards are met, and pupils feel safe.
Headteacher's Response
Headteacher Brian Griffen said he was pleased that Ofsted recognised the school's strengths while acknowledging areas to focus on. He stated: 'We are pleased that the Ofsted report recognised the strengths of our school. As the report says, leaders have identified appropriate priorities. Attendance and achievement remain central to their improvement work, with positive impact seen in these areas. Safeguarding standards are met, with a positive and open culture. Pupils feel safe and are typically positive about our school. They behave well and show positive and enthusiastic attitudes to learning. There is a wide-ranging personal development programme and a broad choice of extra-curricular activities. Our sixth form students are well prepared for their next steps and generally achieve well. Teaching is consistently effective at this stage. There are areas to focus on regarding curriculum and inclusion for all. We are pleased that our views agreed with the inspection team on areas needing attention. The inspection recognised there are signs of improvement on attendance, achievement, suspensions, and strengthening basic literacy and numeracy. We look forward to their return visit to see all the progress we are making.'
