Wilmslow High School, located in Cheshire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following its inspection in May 2019. The leadership and management of the school have shown a commitment to addressing previous weaknesses, resulting in improved outcomes for students. The school has developed support systems that effectively cater to the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they make the progress expected of them.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is consistently good, particularly at key stage four, where teachers demonstrate a strong understanding of their pupils' abilities. This has led to effective teaching practices that engage students and foster their academic growth. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in key stage three, where some teaching does not fully engage or challenge pupils, leading to concerns about their progress.
Pupils at Wilmslow High School exhibit positive behavior, demonstrating politeness and respect towards one another. They take pride in their school uniform and engage actively in various extracurricular activities that promote personal and social development. The school is particularly proud of its sporting achievements and provides numerous opportunities for pupils to develop their skills and interests outside the classroom.
The pastoral systems in place are effective, offering pupils access to support for managing their behavior, emotions, and mental health. The academic curriculum is well-structured, and attendance rates are generally high, with the school implementing various strategies to support those with lower attendance. Feedback from the school community, including parents and staff, is largely positive, although there are some concerns that need to be addressed regarding the communication of stakeholder views.
In the sixth form, students enjoy their courses and make good progress, with nearly all moving on to meaningful post-18 pathways. The governance of the school is strong, with knowledgeable governors who hold leaders accountable and understand the school's strengths and weaknesses.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance its leadership and management by systematically capturing and acting upon the views of pupils, parents, and staff. Additionally, it is essential to address the weaker teaching at key stage three to ensure that all pupils can make consistent progress. The school has made significant strides in supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, and it continues to work on strategies to ensure that all students achieve their potential.
Overall, Wilmslow High School is a good educational institution that provides a supportive environment for its pupils. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and with ongoing efforts to address identified areas for development, the school is well-positioned to enhance its effectiveness further. The positive feedback from the school community reflects a strong foundation upon which to build future successes.
