Weobley High School, located in Herefordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 24 and 25, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where happiness is central to the daily experience of its pupils. Almost all students express enjoyment in attending school, feeling a strong sense of belonging within an inclusive community characterized by mutual respect and care. Interactions among pupils, staff, and visitors are marked by respect and humor, creating an open atmosphere for sharing opinions and views. The school effectively addresses any instances of bullying, ensuring that pupils feel safe.
The curriculum at Weobley High School is diverse and well-structured, allowing pupils to engage in a wide range of subjects. Students appreciate the support provided by teachers, which boosts their confidence in achieving success. While the curriculum is thoughtfully designed in most areas, there are a few subjects where improvements are needed. Overall, pupils are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors and beyond. The school offers numerous extracurricular activities, catering for various interests, from sports to the arts. Younger pupils particularly enjoy the workshops held on Enrichment Tuesdays, while older students value their roles as prefects and buddy readers.
School leaders prioritize the happiness of pupils, believing it enhances their learning experience and success. The curriculum is designed to be broad and flexible, with a thorough consultation process involving Year 9 pupils and their families to tailor the key stage 4 offerings to their needs and interests. This includes unique opportunities such as GCSE Dance, taught by a part-time dance instructor. The curriculum is ambitious, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers.
Lessons are characterized by strong subject knowledge from teachers, who employ effective questioning techniques to engage pupils. Various assessment strategies are utilized to help students improve their understanding and knowledge, contributing to their overall progress. The school has made significant efforts to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring personalized attention to their individual requirements. Reading has been identified as a key focus area, with robust programs in place to assist weaker readers in making rapid progress.
The school has cultivated a commendable culture around behavior, with pupils supporting one another in their learning and maintaining a calm social environment. Personal development is a notable strength, with a well-structured program covering various aspects of student life, including career education and work experience opportunities for Year 10 pupils. Leaders and governors demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s needs, adopting a pupil-centered approach in their decision-making processes.
The safeguarding arrangements at Weobley High School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to any concerns regarding pupil safety. However, the recent transition to an online system for recording safeguarding concerns has not yet been consistently adopted by all staff, which may hinder the tracking of actions taken in response to reported issues. The school is encouraged to ensure that all staff are fully trained in using this system effectively.
In summary, Weobley High School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum consistency across subjects and the effective use of the new safeguarding system, the school demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive learning experience and ensuring the well-being of its students.
