Audenshaw School, located in Manchester, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on March 13 and 14, 2023, and the school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in 2018. The school serves boys aged 11 to 16 and has a total enrollment of 1,106 pupils. The leadership team, including the headteacher Peter Taylor and the chair of the board of trustees Terry Hall, has demonstrated a commitment to high standards and ambitious goals for all students.
Pupils express pride in attending Audenshaw School, responding positively to the core values of respect, responsibility, and resilience that are emphasized throughout the school environment. Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a supportive atmosphere where students feel safe and happy. The school has established effective systems for addressing bullying and derogatory language, ensuring that incidents are managed swiftly and appropriately.
The curriculum at Audenshaw School is ambitious and well-structured, with subject leaders carefully considering the knowledge and skills that pupils need to acquire. All students study a broad range of subjects, and there is a clear strategy in place to encourage participation in the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects. Recent improvements in the teaching of modern foreign languages have led to an increase in the number of pupils opting to study these subjects at key stage four.
Teachers at the school possess strong subject knowledge and utilize their expertise to facilitate learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistent application of assessment strategies across all subjects. Some teachers have not effectively utilized these strategies to identify and address misconceptions in pupils' understanding, which can hinder the security of their learning. Additionally, while reading is prioritized, a small number of pupils, particularly in key stage four, do not receive the specific support they need to develop their reading skills fully.
The school has a robust program for personal development, teaching pupils about resilience and mental health awareness. Pupils engage in discussions about important social issues, fostering mutual respect and tolerance. Although many students participate in extracurricular activities, the range of opportunities available is somewhat limited, which may restrict the development of certain skills and interests.
The careers program at Audenshaw School is highly effective, with nearly all Year 11 pupils progressing to further education, training, or employment. Safeguarding measures are also effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks that pupils may face. Leaders ensure that staff are well-informed about safeguarding issues within the community and collaborate with various agencies to provide timely support for pupils in need.
To enhance the school's effectiveness further, leaders should focus on ensuring that all teachers consistently apply assessment strategies to check pupils' understanding and address any gaps in learning. Additionally, it is essential to provide more comprehensive support for pupils who struggle with reading, enabling them to access the curriculum more effectively. Expanding the range of extracurricular opportunities will also be beneficial in fostering the development of pupils' skills and interests outside the classroom. Overall, Audenshaw School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and supporting the personal development of its pupils.
