Mill Hill County High School, located in Mill Hill, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 21 and 22, 2021. The school boasts a diverse and happy community where pupils are generally polite, courteous, and respectful towards one another. The culture within the school promotes mature behavior, and students respond positively to the expectations set by the staff. The learning environment is safe, and pupils are encouraged to develop their independence. Feedback from online surveys indicates that the school is effective in addressing bullying, although some students feel that teachers could improve in resolving such issues.
The leadership at Mill Hill County High School maintains high academic expectations for all students. The curriculum is broad, allowing pupils to study a wide range of subjects for as long as possible. Lessons are delivered by teachers who possess strong subject knowledge, and there is a variety of extracurricular activities available, including music, dance, art, drama, computing, and sports. The school has established a mentoring hub to provide additional support for students, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The school excels in creating a calm and purposeful atmosphere in lessons, motivating students to engage actively in their learning. Pupils frequently ask and answer questions, demonstrating their enjoyment of the educational process. Positive behavior is evident not only in classrooms but also during break times and transitions between lessons. Well-being support is readily available for those who need it, ensuring that students have access to the help they require.
The curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills progressively from Year 7 to Year 13. Most pupils pursue the English Baccalaureate qualification at key stage 4, while sixth-form students have a wide selection of subjects to choose from. Teachers effectively communicate new content, helping students connect their learning across different subjects. However, there are instances where curriculum plans do not clearly specify the subject content that students need to learn, which can hinder the development of specific skills.
Some students with special educational needs and disabilities follow a tailored curriculum in the early years, allowing them to focus on essential skills while still engaging with the full range of subjects. Assessment practices are appropriately implemented, with a focus on identifying knowledge gaps and providing constructive feedback to enhance learning retention.
While pupils find personal, social, citizenship, and health education lessons useful, they have expressed a desire for less repetition in the curriculum and more focus on physical, emotional, and mental health education. The school leadership has acknowledged these concerns and is working to improve the PSCHE curriculum.
In terms of career guidance, the school offers various activities to support students in their future pathways. However, there is a need for a more structured approach to ensure that all pupils receive comprehensive information about their options.
Safeguarding measures at Mill Hill County High School are effective, with leaders taking prompt action when concerns arise. Staff collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support for students, ensuring that both victims and perpetrators receive appropriate assistance.
Overall, while Mill Hill County High School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the PSCHE curriculum and enhancing the clarity of career guidance. The school continues to foster a positive learning environment and is committed to the ongoing development of its educational offerings.
