Westborough High School, located in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 8 and 9, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued and supported by their teachers. The commitment of the staff to prioritize student welfare is evident, as inspectors observed positive interactions between pupils and teachers during the inspection. The leadership team at Westborough High School is ambitious and dedicated to providing the best educational experience for their students, reflected in the broad curriculum and strong pastoral care.
The school serves a diverse student body, promoting a culture of respect and tolerance. While instances of bullying do occur, the school effectively addresses these issues, ensuring a safe learning environment. Pupils express enjoyment in the variety of subjects offered, and their behavior in lessons is commendable. They actively engage in their learning and demonstrate enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge. The school prepares students well for life after graduation, equipping them with information about post-16 opportunities.
In recent years, school leaders have made significant changes to the curriculum, with further adjustments planned for September 2022. These changes aim to enhance the depth and breadth of subject knowledge taught to pupils. Although the current curriculum meets national standards, there is room for improvement in certain subjects to provide a more comprehensive educational experience. All students have access to ambitious academic subjects, collectively known as the English Baccalaureate, which are increasingly popular among pupils.
The school has established strong links with local higher education institutions, such as Huddersfield University, to inspire students to aim high in their academic pursuits. Careers education is integrated into the personal development program, ensuring that students are well-informed about their future options. The school closely monitors the post-school pathways of its pupils, using this data to refine its careers program, resulting in a high percentage of students leaving with clear plans for their future.
Teachers at Westborough High School employ effective assessment strategies to gauge student understanding, allowing them to address misconceptions promptly. This approach contributes to the successful learning of the curriculum. The school is also attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as their peers. The support provided is effective, with students feeling encouraged and supported in their learning journey.
Most pupils exhibit good behavior, which facilitates smooth lesson delivery. The school has implemented a program to support students who struggle to meet behavioral expectations, helping them to reintegrate successfully into the school environment. Additionally, the school identifies pupils with weaker reading skills and provides targeted support to help them catch up, emphasizing the importance of reading across all subjects.
The personal development program is comprehensive, covering a wide range of relevant topics. However, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has limited extracurricular activities, although these are gradually being reintroduced. The school is actively working to increase student participation in these opportunities.
Staff members report high levels of satisfaction with the support they receive from school leaders regarding their well-being and workload management. The governing body plays an active role in supporting staff welfare and is knowledgeable about the school and its community.
The safeguarding arrangements at Westborough High School are effective, with strong partnerships established with local agencies to protect pupils. Staff receive regular training and updates on safeguarding practices, ensuring they are well-equipped to support students.
To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring that the recent curriculum changes are effectively implemented to enhance subject depth and breadth. Additionally, increasing student participation in personal development opportunities beyond the classroom remains a priority for school leaders.
