Shoeburyness High School, located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on June 4 and 5, 2024. The school is led by headteacher Teri-Leigh Jones and is part of the Southend East Community Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Ben Stickley and a board of trustees chaired by Riz Malik. The school serves a diverse student body of 1,812 pupils, including 300 in the sixth form, and caters to students aged 11 to 18.
The inspection highlighted several strengths of the school, particularly in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision, all rated as good. The school has made significant improvements in raising standards of behavior, with most pupils demonstrating good conduct. However, a small number of older boys have been noted for their lack of respect towards others, which has made some pupils, particularly girls, feel uncomfortable. The school is actively working to address this issue through various support strategies.
Pupils at Shoeburyness High School benefit from a broad and ambitious curriculum that has been revised to ensure it meets the needs of all students. The curriculum includes a mix of academic and vocational options, particularly in the sixth form, where students receive tailored support. The school has raised expectations for pupil achievement, leading to improved retention of knowledge and higher-quality work. Nevertheless, there are still some subjects where the quality of teaching does not meet the school's standards, and opportunities for in-depth exploration of knowledge are limited.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, offering a range of opportunities for pupils to engage in charitable activities and develop their moral understanding. The comprehensive program of personal, social, health, and economic education is complemented by various extracurricular activities that promote character and social skills. The school also provides high-quality careers guidance, ensuring that all pupils are well-informed about their future options, including apprenticeships and university pathways.
The leadership team, including the trustees, is committed to raising standards and has implemented clear plans to address areas needing improvement. Staff members appreciate the professional development opportunities provided and feel supported in their roles. The school has also made significant strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that appropriate adaptations are made within lessons to facilitate their learning.
Despite the overall positive feedback, the inspection report identified areas for improvement. The school needs to continue addressing the behavior of a minority of older boys to foster a more respectful environment. Additionally, there is a need for all teachers to consistently provide opportunities for pupils to engage with complex knowledge and ensure that the entire curriculum is taught effectively. The school is encouraged to enhance its strategies for tracking and improving attendance, particularly for those pupils who struggle to attend regularly.
In summary, Shoeburyness High School is a good school that has made significant progress in various areas, including curriculum development, behavior management, and personal development. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, and with ongoing efforts to address the identified challenges, the school is well-positioned to enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
