We are pleased to share the final report from our recent Ofsted inspection on April 8th and 9th, 2025. The report highlights the many strengths of Baxter College and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

The inspection report identifies the following areas of strength:

• A Safe and Happy School: Baxter College is recognised as an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Positive relationships between staff and students are central to our school's ethos.

• Well-Behaved and Engaged Students: Our students are polite, focused, and eager to learn, creating a calm and productive atmosphere.

• Enriching Opportunities: We offer a wide range of activities, trips, and clubs tailored to students' interests, and we ensure students' voices are heard.

• Ambitious Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to be broad and logically sequenced, with a strong emphasis on reading and support for students with SEND.

• Positive Relationships and Improvements: Positive staff-student relationships are driving improvements in behavior and attendance, supported by programs like the 'Baxter Baccalaureate.'

The report also identifies the following areas for improvement:

• Consistent Curriculum teaching: Ensuring all subjects are taught consistently to help every student reach their potential.

• Effective Use of Assessment: Enhancing how we use assessment to identify and address learning gaps.

• Persistent Absence: Continuing to improve student attendance to maximise learning opportunities.

It is important to note that Ofsted no longer gives an overall school grade. The gradings awarded offer a balanced view of the school, the inspectors have highlighted areas for improvement that have been in our development plan since September and it has been recognised that the work undertaken so far is having an impact. The subcategory Quality of Education was graded as requiring improvement, sub-categories Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Sixth-Form Provision were all graded good. Leadership and Management was also graded as good, reflecting the confidence in the school’s capacity to continue to improve. There is still work to be done but, I am confident that by working together, we can build upon our strengths and address these areas for development to ensure that all pupils at Baxter College receive the excellent education they deserve.

The report is available to view via the following link Ofsted 2025. If you are unable to access the report and require a paper copy, please contact the school reception and this will be arranged.

Links to Local News Article 

At Baxter College, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive school offering the best education to young people from across the board of ability and background. We have made substantial improvements in the progress student make during their time at Baxter College.

You can view our school performance on the compare school performance site by clicking here. For more information regarding school performance tables, please click here.

Supporting Year 11 Success: Period Zero Initiative

Baxter College is committed to ensuring every student reaches their full potential. To support achievement in core subjects, we've implemented "Lesson Zero" for Year 11. This targeted initiative provides focused revision sessions in English, Maths, and Science, designed to maximize student performance and support their journey to achieving a grade 4 and beyond.