Harrytown Catholic High School, located in Romiley, Stockport, has demonstrated significant improvement since its last inspection in January 2017. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behavior, welfare, and outcomes for pupils. The leadership team has implemented effective strategies that have led to rapid progress across various subjects, with a particular focus on enhancing middle leadership through targeted training and appointments. The governing body has also evolved, bringing in a diverse range of skills that enable them to challenge and support school leaders effectively.
The quality of teaching has seen notable enhancements, with leaders ensuring that training is in place to meet the diverse needs of pupils. However, progress in mathematics remains a concern, as some pupils are not sufficiently challenged, leading to a lack of opportunities for developing essential skills such as fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving. Despite this, the progress of disadvantaged pupils has improved significantly, although disparities still exist compared to their peers nationally. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have also shown steady progress, benefiting from tailored support.
The curriculum at Harrytown is broad and balanced, complemented by a variety of extracurricular activities that enrich pupils' experiences. Literacy skills among pupils are strong, with an emphasis on reading both in school and at home. The school effectively promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, fostering an environment of tolerance and respect. Pupils generally exhibit positive behavior and attitudes towards learning, feeling safe and secure within the school environment. However, the rate of fixed-term exclusions remains high, particularly among disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, indicating a need for continued focus on behavior management strategies.
Attendance has improved, yet it remains below the national average, especially for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The school is actively working to address these issues, with initiatives in place to support regular attendance. The quality of careers advice and guidance is commendable, with most pupils successfully transitioning into further education, employment, or training.
To further enhance its performance, the school must focus on improving mathematics teaching to ensure that all pupils achieve their highest potential. This includes providing more frequent opportunities for developing mathematical skills and ensuring that activities challenge pupils appropriately. Additionally, efforts to improve attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, should continue, alongside strategies to support pupils in managing their behavior to reduce exclusion rates.
Overall, Harrytown Catholic High School has made commendable strides in improving educational outcomes and fostering a positive learning environment. The leadership team’s commitment to continuous improvement, coupled with effective governance and a supportive school culture, positions the school well for future success. The ongoing focus on addressing the challenges in mathematics and attendance will be crucial in maintaining and building upon the progress achieved thus far.
