Hasmonean High School for Boys, located in Hendon, London, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The school has been rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The headteacher, Miriam Langdon, leads the school, which is part of the Hasmonean Multi-Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Andrew McClusky and a board of trustees chaired by Gary Swabel.
Pupils at Hasmonean High School enjoy their time at the school and feel a strong sense of belonging within the Hasmonean community. The school promotes high expectations for academic achievement, resulting in strong examination outcomes. The school celebrates its Jewish character while fostering respect and tolerance for diverse beliefs, contributing to a harmonious school environment. New students in Year 7 receive a warm welcome, and older students support their integration, helping them settle in quickly.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including table tennis, computer coding, and music clubs, along with educational visits to places like Poland, Belgium, and Scotland. Generally, pupils exhibit good behaviour and positive attitudes towards learning, although there are occasional minor disruptions in some lessons. Pupils feel safe and well cared for, knowing they can approach adults with any concerns. Instances of bullying are rare and are addressed promptly when they occur.
The curriculum at Hasmonean High School is designed to enable pupils to achieve well across most subjects. Leaders have carefully considered what pupils need to learn, ensuring the curriculum is ambitious for all, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils study two languages until the end of Year 8, including modern Hebrew. The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs, allowing teachers to adapt their instruction accordingly. Targeted support is provided for pupils needing extra help in reading, and there are numerous opportunities for reading in lessons.
Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and are trained to deliver the curriculum effectively. They typically address misconceptions quickly, helping pupils deepen their understanding. However, there are instances where the application of training is inconsistent, leading to some pupils moving on to new material before fully grasping previous concepts. The school provides a well-structured personal, social, and health education programme, equipping pupils with knowledge about healthy relationships, consent, and online safety.
In the sixth form, students benefit from a rich educational experience and strong careers provision, resulting in many successfully applying to prestigious universities. The school prioritizes attendance and works closely with parents and external agencies to address any persistent absence. While most staff maintain high expectations for behaviour, these expectations are not always consistently enforced, leading to occasional disruptions in learning. Leaders recognize this as a priority for improvement.
Governors and trustees possess a solid understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They actively seek feedback from parents, pupils, and staff. The school has implemented various well-being initiatives for staff, contributing to a positive work environment. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, Hasmonean High School for Boys demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
