Highcliffe School maintains ‘good’ Ofsted rating
Highcliffe School has maintained its ‘good’ rating following its latest Ofsted inspection.
The school in Parkside was assessed over two days in June and inspectors found pupils there were “keen to share their experiences of school life with visitors”.
The report found: “Pupils behave well in lessons and at social times. They feel safe in school and have an adult who they can speak to if they have a concern.
“Leaders have created a broad and ambitious curriculum.
“Teachers are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects and share this with pupils.
“For example, in geography, the curriculum prepares pupils as global citizens. In art, pupils develop a bank of techniques to express their individual creativity.”
Safeguarding arrangements at the school, which has 1,492 pupils aged 11 to 19 including 280 in the sixth form, were described as “effective”.
Highlighting areas for improvement, inspectors wrote: “Leaders do not identify the precise needs of the weakest readers. As a result, the pupils without secure phonic knowledge do not receive the support needed to learn to decode and read fluently.
“The reading curriculum does not support pupils of all ages to develop their enjoyment of reading. As a result, some pupils do not have opportunities to improve their reading confidence and breadth. Leaders should consider how to further develop a culture of reading across the school.”
Headteacher Patrick Earnshaw said: “The report recognises the stimulating and engaging curriculum across Year 7 to 13; alongside the high quality in teaching, pastoral care and personal development, available to students here.
“Encouragingly, the developmental points are rooted in existing areas of strength. Thank you to parents for your support during the inspection, especially those who got in touch with goodwill messages.
“And a huge well done to staff and students for your superb conduct over the entire two days – you all really shone.”