Gilded Hollins Community School located in Leigh, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 12 and 13, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel confident and happy, enjoying their daily attendance. The core value of respect is evident among both staff and students, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere appreciated by parents and carers. Pupils express a sense of safety within the school, knowing they have trusted adults to approach with any concerns.
The leadership team and staff maintain high expectations for pupil achievement, which is reflected in the quality of the curriculum and the overall performance of the students. Pupils are encouraged to voice their opinions and engage in discussions on important topics, such as the recent initiative by the school council to create a child-friendly version of the anti-bullying policy. The school effectively addresses bullying incidents, ensuring that pupils understand what constitutes bullying and promoting a culture of care among students. The introduction of the pupil-run kindness corner offers a supportive space for those feeling overwhelmed.
The school excels in providing a broad and ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is thoughtfully organized, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge and make meaningful connections. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, breaking down learning into manageable steps and using assessment effectively to identify and address misconceptions. However, there are areas where leaders need to enhance their oversight to ensure consistent curriculum delivery across all subjects.
Reading is a significant focus at Gilded Hollins, with a well-established culture that encourages pupils to read widely, including various genres and topics. The early years program emphasizes phonics, with staff adeptly supporting pupils who require additional help to keep pace with their reading development. The school ensures that reading materials align with the phonics knowledge pupils acquire, resulting in accurate and comprehensible reading in key stage two.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with a calm atmosphere maintained throughout the school, including during break and lunch times. Leaders prioritize the development of pupils as future leaders, providing numerous opportunities for them to take on leadership roles within the school community. The school council actively contributes to positive changes, such as adjustments to the lunchtime menu, and pupils learn about diversity through various educational experiences.
The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential harm. Pupils are educated on online safety, ensuring they understand the importance of protecting their personal information. While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all teachers effectively adapt learning for pupils with special educational needs. Leaders must ensure that subject leaders are equipped to support staff in delivering the curriculum confidently and that teachers utilize available information to tailor learning for these pupils.
Overall, Gilded Hollins Community School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, fostering a strong sense of community and respect while striving for continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices.
