St Hilda’s Church of England High School in Liverpool has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 28 and 29 September 2021. The school is praised for creating a happy and safe environment where pupils feel supported and valued. Students, including those in the sixth form, express high levels of satisfaction with their school experience, highlighting the strong support from staff that enables them to thrive as individuals. The school promotes values of dignity and equality, fostering an atmosphere where differences are accepted and bullying is rare. Incidents of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively by staff.
Pupils demonstrate excellent behavior during social times and are attentive and engaged in lessons. They show a keen desire to learn and have access to a variety of activities that contribute to their personal development, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme integrated into the Year 9 curriculum. The leadership team, including governors and staff, maintain high expectations for all students, ensuring they receive a strong quality of education that prepares them for future endeavors. This commitment extends to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged students, who also achieve well.
The school’s curriculum is ambitious and broad, with most subjects well-planned. However, there are a few subjects where the planning is not as effective, which can hinder pupils' ability to build on their knowledge. Leaders are actively working to refine these curriculum plans. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning has been acknowledged, and adjustments have been made to curriculum plans in key stages to address any gaps in knowledge.
Teachers at St Hilda’s are noted for their effective delivery of the curriculum, demonstrating secure subject knowledge and helping pupils develop essential knowledge for deeper learning. Classrooms are vibrant, and pupils are encouraged to engage with their peers’ ideas. The behavior management system in place is well-received by students, contributing to a positive learning environment. Teachers regularly assess pupil learning, providing timely feedback that helps students correct mistakes and take pride in their work.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with leaders ensuring that all pupils, including those who require additional support, have access to a catch-up reading curriculum. This initiative has resulted in pupils becoming confident readers who engage with a wide range of subjects. Support for pupils with special educational needs is tailored to their individual requirements, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to succeed.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum has recently been revised to incorporate pupil feedback, and staff are receiving training to implement it effectively. However, it is too early to assess the full impact of these changes. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and debating clubs, which enrich the student experience. A robust careers education program is also in place to guide students in their future pathways.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Hilda’s are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to risks, including online threats. Pupils feel confident in reporting concerns and seeking help. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement in specific curriculum planning and the ongoing evaluation of the PSHE program to ensure it meets the needs of all pupils.
