The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, has received an outstanding rating in its recent inspection conducted on September 13 and 14, 2023. The school provides a nurturing and enriching environment for its pupils, who benefit from a wide range of experiences that enhance their understanding of the world. The staff's commitment to understanding and supporting each pupil is evident, leading to high levels of happiness among students. Tailored activities, including those related to the school farm, quad biking, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, contribute to a well-rounded educational experience.
The school environment is calm and designed to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. Excellent behavior is observed throughout the school, with strong relationships between teachers and students. Pupils feel secure and are confident that any issues, such as bullying, would be addressed promptly by the staff. The curriculum is focused on enhancing the quality of life for pupils, encompassing academic, social, and emotional development. Year 11 and sixth form students receive expert guidance to help them access courses that align with their interests and skills, while work experience opportunities are carefully planned.
The school excels in teamwork, with various staff members collaborating effectively to create a curriculum that supports the holistic development of pupils. This includes tailored phonics programs and a focus on social routines and emotions in reading materials. The involvement of speech and language therapists ensures that communication barriers do not hinder progress. The leadership team is exceptional in understanding and supporting pupils, regularly seeking their feedback through quality-of-life questionnaires, which inform strategic decisions at multiple levels.
The school’s personal, social, and health education curriculum is comprehensive, with initiatives like the WHSS Bacc ensuring that pupils in Year 9 and above engage in courses that foster both academic and social growth. All pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, and term-time holidays are organized to broaden their experiences. The curriculum is continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of pupils, particularly in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Behavior management is approached with a focus on positive support, with each pupil having a dedicated behavior support plan. Staff implement these plans with patience and care, ensuring that pupils feel supported and understood. When challenging behavior arises, thorough reviews are conducted to improve support strategies. The school has recently established a communication and interaction unit to assist pupils requiring additional support in these areas.
Careers advice and provision are outstanding, with pupils encouraged to engage with adults about their professions and participate in well-planned work experience. Sixth form students have access to courses at local colleges, facilitating their transition to successful careers. The achievements of former pupils are celebrated, serving as motivation for current students.
Staff at the school are dedicated and receive ongoing training, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Leaders are approachable and responsive, promoting an open environment where staff can contribute to enhancing school systems. The governing body is actively involved in the school’s progress, seeking external advice to ensure continuous improvement. The school meets the requirements for providing information about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships to older pupils.
Overall, The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form stands out for its exceptional educational provision, strong leadership, and commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils. The school’s focus on teamwork, tailored support, and continuous improvement creates an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
