Teacher of Engineering, Design and Technology

Carterton Community College is a co-educational secondary school with Sixth Form located in the large town of Carterton, Oxfordshire. With around 600 pupils aged 11-19, Carterton is smaller than the average secondary school. A community school, it is maintained by the local authority, and has a strongly comprehensive ethos. Carterton’s sixth form opened in 2014, and currently resides in a dedicated and newly refurbished sixth form centre. Though the bulk of teaching takes place on-site, a small amount of provision is offered through external providers for students who require it.

Headteacher

Mr Chris Hart

Values and Vision

Carterton is the second largest town in West Oxfordshire, with proximity to the largest Royal Air Force base in the country. Carterton Community College has a strong supportive relationship with the Leaders/Senior Officers of the base.

The school is also heavily committed to providing opportunities for all types of students, regardless of personal background or academic ability. To this end, the school’s curriculum provides a wide range of different subjects, both academic and vocational, with the school sixth form offering a number of level 3 vocational courses alongside numerous A-levels.

Ofsted

Carterton Community College was last inspected in March 2022 and was graded Good in all areas.

"Staff expect a lot from pupils and most happily rise to the challenge as they are keen to please . This means that they behave well and follow the instructions staff give them. Those who find it more difficult receive support so that learning is not disrupted."

"Carterton Community College is a school where relationships matter. Staff get to know pupils well. As one pupil said to the lead inspector It is like one big family here. Pupils talked happily about their experiences of school and said they feel safe"

"Leaders have invested heavily in pastoral support across the school to ensure that pupils develop positive attitudes and are mindful of their well-being. This is helping pupils to understand how they build and contribute to their school community. The vast majority of pupils are supportive of one another and know how to keep themselves safe. Many parents and carers commented positively on the care provided to their child by particular members of staff."

"The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good. The school’s assembly and tutor programmes, combined with dedicated development days, ensure that pupils know how to build healthy lifestyles. They are well informed of the dangers associated with social media. Pupils know not to befriend people that they do not know on the internet and they are very clear as to how to stay safe online. Pupils are encouraged to discuss any concerns with school counsellors and staff."

"Pupils feel that staff provide a good level of support. One said: ‘There are strong relationships between pupils and staff as most really care and want you to succeed.’ Many parents also commented on the additional help provided by particular members of staff. A few pupils benefit from mentoring and support from members of the Royal Air Force based at Brize Norton."

The "behaviour policy is used well by the vast majority of staff to ensure that there is a purposeful learning environment in lessons and an inclusive, calm climate throughout the school day."