Mossley Hollins High School, located in Ashton-under-Lyne, underwent an inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has maintained a strong reputation since its last inspection nine years ago, where it was rated Outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school's commitment to high academic standards and positive behavior among students. Leaders at the school are ambitious and set high expectations for both academic achievement and conduct, which the majority of pupils strive to meet. This dedication has resulted in students performing well across various subjects, preparing them effectively for their future endeavors upon leaving in Year 11.
Pupils demonstrate a strong motivation to attend school, as evidenced by high attendance rates. They enjoy social interactions during breaks and form friendships easily. However, some students expressed concerns regarding the school's approach to emotional well-being, feeling that the environment can be overly strict, which impacts their overall happiness. The school promotes acceptance and understanding of diversity, with leaders addressing bullying incidents promptly.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, allowing students to engage in various clubs and programs, including sports and performing arts. The introduction of an electives program for Year 7 students has further enriched their educational experience. The curriculum is broad and balanced, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most students pursue the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, ensuring a comprehensive educational foundation.
Subject leaders have organized the curriculum effectively, enabling teachers to deliver content in a structured manner. Teachers are well-informed about the subjects they teach and utilize assessment systems to identify and address gaps in students' understanding. Reading skills are prioritized, with most pupils becoming confident readers, and those needing additional support receive timely assistance.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges in the timely identification of some students with special educational needs. This delay can hinder the provision of necessary support. Additionally, a minority of parents feel that communication from school leaders could be improved to better address their concerns and involve them in their children's education. Some students also indicated a desire for more resources to support their pastoral care, suggesting that the current behavior management approach may not fully meet their emotional needs.
The school has established effective safeguarding measures, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders actively collaborate with external agencies to ensure that students are informed about local risks and how to stay safe. Overall, while the school has many commendable aspects, there are areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing parental engagement and refining support for students with special educational needs. The commitment of staff and governors to the school's mission is evident, and ongoing efforts to address these challenges will further strengthen the educational environment for all pupils.
