Halesbury School, located in Halesowen, West Midlands, underwent an inspection from October 10 to 11, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were rated as Good. Early years provision and sixth-form provision were both rated as Requires Improvement. The school previously held a Good rating in its last inspection in June 2019.
The school emphasizes care and warmth, creating an environment where pupils feel welcomed and valued. However, there is a need for further development to ensure that all pupils maximize their educational experience. The school is currently adapting to the changing needs of its pupils, who present a broader range of complex needs. This has prompted a reevaluation of the curriculum and teaching methods, which are still in the early stages of implementation.
Positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a calm atmosphere throughout the school. Staff are responsive to pupils' needs, fostering positive behaviour during lessons and break times. Enrichment activities, such as trips and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, enhance the pupils' experiences, and the school is committed to providing opportunities for personal development.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges in its curriculum planning. Recent changes in pupil needs have led leaders to recognize what is working well and what requires adjustment. While some subjects have clear expectations for skills and knowledge, others are still developing, which limits the continuity of learning. Staff work diligently to understand the special educational needs and disabilities of pupils, collaborating with families to tailor support effectively.
The school has adopted a curriculum pathway model to address the diverse needs of its pupils, allowing for targeted support. However, the reading curriculum is in its infancy, and staff training is ongoing to improve phonics instruction and early reading skills. The school acknowledges that previous reading instruction methods were unclear, impacting pupils' progress in developing a love for reading.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to respond appropriately to risks. However, there is a need for enhanced professional development regarding high-quality curriculum planning and implementation. This variability affects the consistency of the curriculum across the school.
Attendance remains a concern, with some pupils not attending regularly, a lingering effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The school is actively working to improve attendance through collaboration with families and support teams.
In the sixth form, students express happiness and pride in their school, benefiting from careers advice that helps them envision their future. However, the school does not consistently align study programs with students' personal ambitions, which can hinder their preparation for post-school opportunities.
To improve, the school must ensure that all subjects have a well-defined and sequenced curriculum that builds on prior learning. The reading program needs to be fully implemented with trained staff to enhance pupils' reading skills. Additionally, the school should act on students' aspirations when designing study programs to better align with their future goals. Overall, while Halesbury School demonstrates strengths in relationships and personal development, it must address curriculum planning and implementation to enhance educational outcomes for all pupils.
