High Tunstall College of Science, located in Hartlepool, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 1 and 2, 2021. The school has made significant strides since moving into a new building in October 2019, with pupils expressing pride in their environment and reporting improved behavior and attitudes. The school has effectively adapted to the challenges posed by COVID-19, allowing pupils to move around the building more freely after a period of restricted movement. The atmosphere is described as calm and orderly, with high levels of supervision ensuring that pupils feel safe and well cared for.
Pupils appreciate the support provided by their heads of year and school support officers, feeling confident that any issues, including bullying, will be addressed promptly. Many students believe that the quality of education has improved in recent years, finding lessons engaging and benefiting from a variety of resources that aid their learning. The school has also resumed some extracurricular activities and social events, fostering a sense of community among students and staff.
The leadership team at High Tunstall College has a clear vision for the curriculum, ensuring it meets the academic and personal development needs of pupils. The curriculum is broad, covering a wide range of subjects in key stage three, and includes well-planned qualifications that genuinely benefit students. In key stage four, a variety of option choices are available, catering for different interests and vocational aspirations. The teaching of personal, social, and health education, as well as careers education, is integrated into the timetable, reflecting the school's commitment to holistic education.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges, particularly in supporting pupils with reading difficulties. Approximately 60 percent of pupils enter Year 7 with reading skills below the expected level for their age. While the school has implemented useful programs to promote reading, some pupils are not progressing as quickly as needed due to a lack of specific training for staff in supporting weaker readers. Additionally, the support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with teachers making necessary adjustments in mainstream lessons and providing one-on-one support in specialized provisions.
The school’s PSHE curriculum is comprehensive, covering essential topics such as relationships, health, and online safety. Lessons are delivered in an accessible manner, encouraging pupils to engage and ask questions. The school has also prioritized safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils from various risks. Staff have undergone additional training to recognize and address potential safeguarding issues, and regular communication with pupils during lockdowns ensured their safety and well-being.
To improve further, the school must enhance its reading support programs by providing specialized training for staff working with weaker readers. Additionally, the reintegration process for pupils returning from the Shine Centre after exclusion needs to be expedited to minimize lost learning time. The pandemic has impacted the thoroughness of curriculum checks, and leaders are encouraged to implement a comprehensive program of checks to gain a complete understanding of the curriculum's effectiveness.
Overall, High Tunstall College of Science demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment, with a clear focus on continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for development.
