The Stourport High School and Sixth Form College, located in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, received a Good rating in its recent inspection conducted on July 12 and 13, 2022. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated it as Requires Improvement. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education, with leaders setting high expectations for all pupils. The redesigned curriculum offers diverse pathways for students to pursue their interests and aspirations, including new qualifications such as psychology. The sixth form provides opportunities for aspiring athletes, particularly rugby players associated with Worcester Warriors, to balance their sports studies with academic courses.
Pupil engagement in learning is evident, even in challenging subjects like languages. The school has made notable strides in improving pupil behavior, with effective support systems in place for those facing behavioral challenges. The values of respect, kindness, and determination are actively promoted, fostering positive relationships between pupils and staff. Students feel safe and are aware of how to seek help regarding bullying, which is reported to be rare.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, particularly in Year 9, where students have a broader selection of courses, including business studies. Leaders have clearly articulated their educational goals, ensuring that the content is sequenced appropriately across subjects. However, there are areas where curriculum planning could be enhanced, particularly in a few subjects where the intended learning outcomes are not as clearly defined.
Teachers effectively promote a love of reading across the curriculum, and sixth-form students play a vital role in supporting younger pupils in their reading endeavors. Instructional strategies, including targeted questioning, are employed to gauge pupil understanding and progress. While leaders have established effective assessment strategies, there is recognition that further alignment between assessment tasks and the curriculum is needed in some subjects.
The school prioritizes the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that appropriate adaptations are made in lessons. The provision of electronic tablets for sixth-form students supports their learning. Continuous professional development for teachers is emphasized, contributing positively to teaching quality and staff morale.
Pupil behavior has improved significantly, with high expectations set by teachers leading to a conducive learning environment. Attendance levels are gradually recovering post-COVID-19, and the school implements a comprehensive program for personal development and curriculum enrichment. While the school provides extensive careers advice, opportunities for extracurricular music education are somewhat limited.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a culture that encourages staff to report concerns. Pupils receive education on maintaining safety and understanding harmful behaviors. The school leadership is committed to staff well-being, recognizing the importance of managing workload.
Despite the positive feedback from most parents regarding the school's provision, some concerns were raised about behavior and support for pupils with special educational needs. The school is encouraged to enhance communication with parents to address these concerns effectively. Overall, The Stourport High School and Sixth Form College is making commendable progress in delivering quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils.
