The Whitby High School, located in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, underwent an inspection on May 24 and 25, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, with leaders and staff maintaining high expectations for all pupils, including those in the sixth form. Pupils generally achieve well across most subjects, benefiting from a well-structured curriculum that is broad and balanced.
Behaviour and attitudes at the school are also rated as good. Most pupils adhere to the expected standards of behaviour, contributing to a positive learning environment that is largely free from disruption. While a small minority of pupils, parents, and carers have expressed concerns regarding bullying, the majority of students feel that such incidents are infrequent and that staff effectively address any issues that arise. The school fosters respectful and positive relationships between pupils and staff, which helps create a safe atmosphere for learning.
The leadership team has successfully addressed the weaknesses identified in the previous inspection. Staff have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance the quality of education and support pupils' personal development. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs and aspirations of pupils, with careful consideration given to the knowledge that students should acquire. Teachers create calm learning environments and employ effective assessment strategies to identify and address misconceptions promptly.
Despite these strengths, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, some teachers are still developing their delivery of the curriculum, which can hinder pupils' ability to recall prior learning and make connections with new information. Additionally, while the school has made strides in promoting a culture of reading, some pupils at the earliest stages of learning to read do not receive the targeted support they need to become confident readers. Leaders are encouraged to refine their systems for identifying specific gaps in reading knowledge to provide more tailored support.
The personal development programme for pupils in Years 7 to 11 is well-planned and comprehensive, covering essential topics such as relationships and responsible citizenship. However, the programme in the sixth form is less developed, resulting in fewer opportunities for students to explore certain aspects of personal development. Leaders are working to enhance this aspect of the curriculum to ensure that all students receive a well-rounded education.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns. Leaders prioritize the welfare of vulnerable pupils and collaborate with external partners to provide necessary support. The school also actively engages with parents and the community, seeking feedback to inform improvements while considering staff workload and well-being.
Overall, The Whitby High School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. The school provides a supportive and enriching environment for pupils, fostering both academic success and personal growth. With ongoing efforts to address identified areas for development, the school is well-positioned to maintain its positive trajectory and further enhance the educational experience for all students.
