School Development & Inspections

Inevitably, in a large and fairly complex organisation like a school planning for development goes on at a number of levels and over different timescales too. On this page there are links to two key planning documents which show what we are aiming to achieve, how we are going to get those things done and how we will measure the success of our work.

At Bishop Wordsworth’s School, we believe in combining long-term vision with practical, purposeful action. That’s why we maintain two complementary plans. The first a Strategic Plan, and the second a School Development Plan (SDP). Each serves a distinct but connected purpose.

The Strategic Plan (2024-2027)

Our Strategic Plan sets out the broad ambitions and guiding principles that will shape our school’s future over a multi-year cycle. It draws from our founding mission and current context to articulate where we want to be in three years and beyond by considering the challenges which are heading our way. It lays the foundation for BWS’s long-term development in areas such as curriculum design, staffing excellence, facilities planning, the school’s ethos and reputation, and the resources needed to deliver a high-quality all-round education.

The School Development Plan (2025-2026)

The School Development Plan is our annual action plan. It takes the long-term aims from the Strategic Plan and turns them into real, measurable steps for the coming year. It identifies concrete priorities - from academic outcomes and pastoral support, to teaching quality, student well-being, social mobility, and resource management. As it is an action plan it also defines who is responsible, what will be done, by when, and how we will know we have succeeded.

How They Work Together

The Strategic Plan gives us a shared vision and long-term direction. It ensures the school remains true to its ethos and ambitions over time.
The School Development Plan gives us focus and accountability in the short term, enabling us to make progress each academic year and respond to changing circumstances or emerging needs.
Each year’s SDP builds on the last, creating a continuous cycle of review, improvement, and alignment with our long-term goals.

Also on this page are copies of our most recent inspection reports from OFSTED and SIAMS.