Culcheth High School, located in Warrington, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 15 and 16, 2022. The school fosters an inclusive community where pupils take pride in their environment, guided by the core values of respect, honesty, and excellence. These values are reflected in the pupils' hard work and mutual respect for one another's differences. The relationships between pupils and staff are characterized by honesty and support, contributing to a positive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued. They express confidence in approaching staff for help and believe that any instances of bullying would be addressed promptly.
The curriculum at Culcheth High School is well-structured and ambitious, allowing all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to progress effectively. The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, equipping pupils with essential knowledge for leading safe and fulfilling lives. A variety of extracurricular activities are available, encouraging pupils to engage in sports and broaden their understanding of the world.
Leaders and governors have worked diligently to ensure that the curriculum remains broad and ambitious. Since the last inspection, significant improvements have been made in supporting pupils with special educational needs, enabling them to meet the curriculum's expectations more successfully. Subject leaders have carefully designed the curriculum, ensuring that pupils build their knowledge logically and progressively. This thoughtful approach is particularly evident in certain subjects where opportunities for deep learning are abundant, and teachers maintain high expectations for their pupils.
Teachers at Culcheth High School demonstrate strong subject knowledge, which enhances their ability to deliver the curriculum effectively. They engage pupils with stimulating activities and ensure that important concepts are revisited throughout lessons. However, in a few subjects, there is a need for improvement in checking that pupils are making connections between new and previously learned material, which can hinder some pupils' ability to retain and apply their knowledge.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior throughout the school, contributing to a conducive learning environment. Disruptions during lessons are minimal, and the overall attitude towards learning is commendable. Leaders actively monitor behavior patterns and address any issues swiftly, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all.
The school has made notable strides in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs since the last inspection. Staff have received training to better support these pupils, allowing them to progress alongside their peers in the ambitious curriculum. Additionally, effective systems have been implemented to identify pupils with weak reading skills upon their entry to the school, enabling targeted support that fosters confidence in reading.
Pupils find personal development lessons engaging and relevant, covering essential topics such as relationships, health, and financial literacy. The school provides age-appropriate career education, ensuring that pupils receive guidance on future opportunities.
Leaders are mindful of staff workload and have taken steps to address this, fostering a collaborative environment among staff, leaders, and governors. The governing body is well-informed and actively holds leaders accountable while supporting the school's development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Culcheth High School are effective, with a strong culture of safety. Leaders are knowledgeable about safeguarding issues and ensure that staff are well-trained to identify and address potential risks. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe both online and in their local community.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for improvement in ensuring that all teachers consistently check for connections between current and prior learning across all subjects. This will help enhance pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. Overall, Culcheth High School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
