Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Northolt High School on 21 May 2019, following its previous judgment of good in July 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively collaborated to foster an inclusive and celebratory culture, promoting values of pride, respect, and courage. Strong pastoral care and safeguarding measures underpin the welfare of pupils, with leaders demonstrating effective leadership and a commitment to ongoing improvement.
Pupils express positive sentiments about their school experience, feeling safe and eager to learn. They exhibit respectful behavior towards staff and peers, and their appearance in school uniform reflects a sense of pride. The school has successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, particularly in attendance, which has seen a notable increase, aligning with national averages. A strong emphasis on literacy has been implemented, enhancing pupils' reading and writing skills.
In response to a decline in GCSE results, leaders took prompt action to analyze and rectify the issues. Consequently, most pupils now make good progress across various subjects, displaying positive attitudes towards their work. However, the progress of the most able pupils remains inconsistent due to insufficiently challenging work in some instances. The governing body provides robust support and challenge, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the school's strengths and areas needing improvement.
Safeguarding practices are effective, with leaders ensuring that all arrangements are suitable and well-documented. Staff are well-trained and vigilant in monitoring pupils' welfare, and governors are actively involved in safeguarding responsibilities. Pupils report feeling safe and confident that any bullying incidents will be addressed promptly. The school collaborates with various agencies to ensure that pupils and their families receive necessary support.
The inspection focused on the progress of pupils preparing for GCSE examinations, particularly following a significant decline in results in 2018. Leaders implemented strategies to enhance teaching quality and learning outcomes, resulting in improved progress for current pupils. The quality of work in pupils' books reflects effective teaching and supports assessment data, indicating that pupils are making secure progress across subjects. Teachers maintain high expectations, and pupils respond positively to these challenges.
Despite high-quality training for teachers, consistent challenge for the most able pupils is not yet fully established, leading to variable progress in mixed-ability classes. The inspection also examined the performance of disadvantaged pupils, who historically have not achieved as well as their peers. Improvements in teaching quality and effective use of pupil premium funding have led to comparable work quality between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. Engagement in class discussions and a willingness to improve their work were observed among disadvantaged pupils.
Attendance rates for disadvantaged pupils have improved and are now in line with national averages, attributed to effective strategies implemented by leaders. The school has also worked to reduce fixed-term exclusions, which have previously been higher than the national average. Initiatives such as the Northolt Way and a rewards system have contributed to improved behavior and a positive school environment. Overall, the inspection highlighted the school's strengths while identifying areas for further development, particularly in enhancing outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and ensuring consistent challenge for the most able.
