Highams Park School, located in London, Essex, has recently undergone an inspection on May 22 and 23, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The sixth-form provision has been rated as outstanding. The headteacher, Nigel Armsby, leads the school, which operates as a single academy trust overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Tracy Penfold.
The school is characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere where pupils are well-supported by dedicated staff. Leaders are ambitious for students' learning, providing numerous opportunities for engagement with visiting speakers and career exploration. The work experience program for pupils in Years 10 and 12 is extensive, and the sixth form is recognized as a key strength, with students achieving high levels of success and benefiting from a wide range of opportunities that prepare them for adulthood and further education.
Recent leadership actions have led to significant improvements in pupil behaviour, with minimal disruption to learning in lessons. Pupils are aware of the rules and generally adhere to them, which has allowed teachers to deliver the curriculum more effectively. The school emphasizes the importance of good citizenship and mental health, with pupils participating in charitable activities and supporting younger students in their reading. Many pupils successfully complete awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Sports Leadership Award.
The new leadership team has effectively implemented positive changes in behaviour, resulting in a calm and focused environment. Staff members express pride in their work and support the new behaviour system, fostering warm and respectful relationships with pupils. However, some pupils are not making the expected progress due to a lack of positive attitudes towards learning, which is not consistently addressed by staff.
The curriculum is well-structured and ambitious across a broad range of subjects, including for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. This allows for a variety of academic, technical, and vocational course options. In the sixth form, students demonstrate diligence and commitment, benefiting from high expectations set by teachers who ensure that key knowledge is learned and applied effectively.
While the school has made strides in improving behaviour, a small number of pupils exhibit disinterest in learning, and their poor attitudes are not consistently identified or addressed. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that staff recognize and support these pupils to engage more fully in their education.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with a new program aimed at enhancing fluency and accuracy. The early stages of this program have shown positive results. The school also offers a broad curriculum that supports personal development, helping pupils make informed and responsible choices. Attendance has improved due to robust systems in place to address issues, demonstrating a commitment to supporting pupils and their families.
The safeguarding arrangements at Highams Park School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, including the need for teachers to routinely check pupils' understanding before progressing in lessons and to maintain consistent expectations for the quality of work across subjects. Overall, Highams Park School is making significant progress in providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
