Fred Longworth High School is recognized as a good school, providing a supportive and welcoming environment for its students. The leadership and staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school's core values of belonging, engaging, succeeding, and together are well understood and practiced by the students. Pupils express enjoyment in their learning experiences and demonstrate strong academic achievements, preparing them effectively for future educational or career opportunities.
Students appreciate the mental health and well-being support available to them, fostering positive relationships with peers and teachers. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they are polite and dedicated to their studies. Feedback from students during inspections indicates a strong sense of safety within the school, with confidence in staff to address any concerns, including bullying, which is managed effectively by the leadership.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Students enthusiastically participate in dance and musical performances, such as Grease, and benefit from educational trips to theaters and outdoor residential centers in the Lake District. Opportunities for leadership and responsibility are also available, with students actively contributing to the school council and leading clubs like the British sign language club.
The school excels in providing a broad and enriched curriculum that adheres to national standards. Recent improvements have led to an increase in students opting to study modern foreign languages at the GCSE level. Subject leaders have carefully restructured their curriculums to align with the learning needs of pupils, ensuring that assessments are effectively utilized to monitor progress and address misconceptions.
Reading is a key focus, with strong support for students who struggle with literacy, helping them to build confidence and fluency. Pupils enjoy reading for pleasure during designated times and contribute to the school's newsletter, enhancing their engagement with literature. The school is proactive in identifying the needs of students with special educational needs, providing staff with the necessary training and resources to support these pupils in accessing the curriculum.
The atmosphere within the school is calm and orderly, allowing for effective learning without disruptions. Staff are responsive to any behavioral issues, ensuring that students can focus on their education. The curriculum also includes education on British values, promoting respect and understanding among students, including awareness of issues such as refugee experiences.
Staff members express pride in their work at the school, highlighting the support they receive from leadership regarding workload and well-being. The collaboration between trustees and school leaders is strong, with trustees holding leaders accountable for their decisions.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff regarding pupil safety. Training ensures that staff are equipped to recognize and respond to potential risks, including online safety. Pupils receive education on various risks, empowering them to maintain their safety.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some teachers occasionally select less effective activities for delivering knowledge, which can hinder pupil achievement in certain subjects. Ongoing training for teachers is essential to ensure that all students can achieve their full potential. Overall, Fred Longworth High School continues to provide a high-quality education and a nurturing environment for its students.
