Ridgeway High School, located in Prenton, Merseyside, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management have all been rated as good, indicating a positive trajectory in the school's performance.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, which contributes to a safe and happy environment for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrate respect for diversity and take pride in being part of a varied school community. The school sets high expectations for academic and social achievement, and pupils generally strive to meet these standards, exhibiting good behavior and a strong work ethic in lessons.
Ridgeway High School offers a well-structured and ambitious curriculum that prepares pupils for their future educational and career paths. The school encourages pupils to engage in their future planning, with opportunities to participate in careers fairs and visit local employers. Additionally, the school provides various extracurricular activities, enhancing the learning experience beyond the classroom. Pupils enjoy outings to cultural venues, which enrich their educational journey.
The curriculum is carefully designed, with most subjects having a clear structure that outlines the knowledge and skills pupils are expected to acquire. This thoughtful approach is helping current pupils learn effectively. However, there are still some areas where the curriculum design is being refined, which occasionally hampers the ability of teachers to build on prior knowledge effectively. In a few subjects, the school is still determining the most effective sequence of learning, which can impact the depth of understanding for some pupils.
Teachers at Ridgeway High School possess strong subject knowledge and regularly assess pupils' understanding of previous content. They provide opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning, which supports retention and comprehension. In subjects where the curriculum is well developed, assessment practices are effective in identifying what pupils know and can remember. However, in less developed subjects, teachers may struggle to address misconceptions promptly, which can hinder learning.
The school prioritizes reading and has implemented a structured program to support pupils who struggle with literacy. This initiative has been well received by pupils, who appreciate the opportunity to explore various genres and develop a love for reading. Most pupils exhibit positive behavior in classrooms and throughout the school, contributing to a conducive learning environment. The school has effective behavior management policies in place and takes appropriate action when serious incidents occur.
Ridgeway High School emphasizes the importance of personal development, ensuring that pupils understand healthy relationships and lifestyles. The curriculum includes education on different cultures and religions, preparing pupils for life in modern society. Staff members are dedicated and supportive of school leadership, and their well-being is considered in policy changes. The governing body is committed to maintaining high educational standards and has a clear understanding of the school's priorities.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ridgeway High School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is actively working on refining its curriculum design in a few subjects to enhance the learning experience further. By addressing these areas, Ridgeway High School aims to build on its successes and continue providing a high-quality education for its pupils.
