Hele’s School, located in Plympton, Plymouth, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 22 and 23, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of pride among its pupils, who are aware of the high expectations set by the leadership. In the classroom, students adhere to established routines and concentrate on their learning, while sixth-form students serve as positive role models for younger peers, engaging in activities such as managing sports during break times.
Respect is a core value at Hele’s School, with effective measures in place to address bullying. Pupils feel confident that any incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively by the school leaders. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive language, creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Hele’s School offers a wide array of extracurricular activities that are well-received by students. Many pupils participate in the Combined Cadet Force, which helps them develop leadership skills and engage with the community. Additionally, students take part in initiatives like Ten Tors and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. The school’s productions are inclusive, encouraging high participation rates among students, and collaborations with national theatre projects enhance their skills in the performing arts. The variety of clubs and activities ensures that there is something for everyone, providing students with a broad range of opportunities.
The school is currently in the process of implementing a thoughtfully designed curriculum, which has been collaboratively developed across the trust. Leaders have established a well-sequenced curriculum that outlines the knowledge pupils will acquire and the timeline for learning. The new curriculum has been introduced in Year 7, but changes to the curriculum structure for Years 8 and 9 have resulted in some gaps in knowledge and skills for those students. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are actively planning to address them.
Despite some lower outcomes in key stage four, the curriculum remains broad and ambitious, with a significant number of pupils studying the English baccalaureate suite of subjects. The school encourages a majority of students to take at least one language at GCSE level. In the sixth form, students have access to a diverse range of subjects that align with their interests.
Teachers at Hele’s School are dedicated to helping pupils retain their learning, making connections with prior knowledge. Staff are well-acquainted with their students, employing a ‘know your class’ approach to tailor support effectively, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents appreciate the strong communication and support provided by the school.
The school has introduced an ambitious wider reading curriculum, ensuring that younger pupils receive targeted reading interventions. The careers program is comprehensive, guiding students from Year 7 through to Year 13 with various opportunities for work experience and career fairs. Personal, social, and health education is integrated into the curriculum, covering essential topics such as sex education and consent.
Leaders at Hele’s School are committed to continuous improvement, with a clear vision understood by all stakeholders. While staff report high levels of support from leaders, some have experienced increased workloads due to the ongoing curriculum development. Leaders are mindful of this and are working to balance workload management.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with regular training ensuring that staff are well-informed about procedures to keep pupils safe. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide additional support, fostering a safe environment where pupils feel comfortable reporting concerns. Overall, Hele’s School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive atmosphere for all students.
