High school keeps up good work
ROSSENDALE’S largest school has retained its good Ofsted rating after inspectors found students were proud, felt safe, behaved very well in lessons and enjoy a wide range of enrichment activities.
Three inspectors, led by Timothy Gartside, visited Haslingden High School and Sixth Form, which has 1,573 students, over two days in May.
The school said their report, due to be made public on Friday, says: “Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They present their extensive knowledge to pupils clearly and enthusiastically. Leaders and teachers identify the individual needs of pupils and students with SEND [Special Educational Needs and Disabilities] accurately. Leaders ensure that these pupils receive appropriate support. This enables pupils and students with SEND to progress through the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.”
The report noted that leaders, staff and governors have high expectations of what students should achieve and all students progress well through school.
Inspectors said: “Staff provide a wide range of enrichment activities. Sports teams enjoy many successes at regional and national levels. Pupils, and students in the Sixth Form, thrive in the arts and music because there are many opportunities for participation.”
Many school trips both near and far are also arranged.
Headteacher Russ Clarke said: “At Haslingden High School and Sixth Form, we place great emphasis on Achievement for All – and our goal is for all for all our students to be safe, happy and successful, developing as individuals into caring, responsible citizens equipped for life in the 21st century.
“I am extremely proud of the results of the inspection. It is an exceptionally positive document that highlights the many strengths of our school. We have five school aims and the Ofsted inspection shows how we, as a school, live and breathe these. We strive to: create successful learners; ensure all students experience an exciting, ambitious and inclusive curriculum; provide access to a wide range of opportunities and experiences; work in partnership to offer a personalised approach to care, guidance and support; guide students, helping them to become kind, resilient and ethical individuals.
“Within the report, inspectors have evidenced that we are achieving all of these aims.”
The school said it has already taken action on the only improvement issue highlighted and adapted the personal development curriculum in Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form.