Balshaw’s Church of England High School, located in Leyland, Lancashire, underwent an inspection on February 2 and 3, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong reputation among its pupils, who express happiness and pride in attending. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of respecting diversity and exhibit friendly, tolerant, and polite behavior. The leadership team is ambitious for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils recognize the high expectations set by their teachers regarding academic performance and behavior, and most strive to meet these standards, resulting in responsible behavior and commendable academic achievements.
The school environment is characterized by calmness and respect, with pupils feeling safe and supported. They report that there is always someone available to discuss any concerns, and the leadership effectively addresses incidents of bullying. This supportive atmosphere contributes to pupils' sense of security. Additionally, the school provides numerous opportunities for wider development, such as engaging in charity work and taking on leadership roles, which fosters a strong sense of community and helps pupils build confidence and character.
Leaders and governors have a clear vision for educational quality and have implemented various improvements to achieve this. The curriculum at key stage three is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. However, some pupils at key stage four have faced limitations in choosing their desired subject combinations, which affects how well the curriculum aligns with their interests and aspirations. Plans are in place to address these limitations for future cohorts.
Subject leaders and teachers receive regular, subject-specific training, allowing them to effectively teach the curriculum. They carefully sequence essential knowledge to build on prior learning, and teachers adeptly identify and address misconceptions. Staff are well-equipped to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, leading to positive outcomes.
Reading is a priority at Balshaw’s, with the school library serving as a vibrant hub. Various programs are in place to enhance pupils' reading fluency and foster a love for reading. Older pupils assist younger ones, and teachers emphasize subject-specific vocabulary to aid comprehension. Leaders are also increasing support for pupils struggling with reading, helping them catch up with their peers.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior in and out of the classroom, with learning rarely disrupted. Leaders provide effective support for those who occasionally struggle with self-regulation. Attendance rates have improved, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The school has developed a high-quality program for pupils' wider development, covering topics such as mental health and respect for others, which promotes social and moral awareness.
While most parents express positive views about the school's engagement with them, a minority feel that communication regarding changes and concerns could be improved. This gap can hinder collaboration between leaders and parents in supporting pupil well-being and achievement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns, ensuring pupils are informed about safety issues, including online safety.
To enhance the educational experience, leaders should fully implement plans to amend the curriculum for key stage four, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of all pupils. Additionally, addressing barriers to parental engagement will further support pupil achievement and well-being. Overall, Balshaw’s Church of England High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and ambitious educational environment for its pupils.
