The Martin High School in Anstey, Leicester, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on April 16 and 17, 2024. The school is part of the Lionheart Educational Trust, with Laura Sanchez serving as the executive principal. The inspection highlighted several strengths of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which were rated as good.
Pupils at The Martin High School express happiness in attending, enjoying positive relationships with staff and celebrating diversity. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips, which are well-attended by students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school aims to equip all pupils with the knowledge and qualifications necessary for future success in education and employment. However, the report noted a period of instability in leadership and staffing, which has impacted pupil achievement in recent years, as reflected in external examination outcomes.
Despite these challenges, the school has made significant strides in improving its curriculum and supporting staff development. High expectations for pupil behavior are established, and most students demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning. Pupils take pride in earning rewards for good conduct and achievement, although there are inconsistencies in how staff apply behavior routines, leading to some confusion among students regarding expectations.
The curriculum is described as broad and ambitious, with key stage three pupils enjoying a wide range of subjects. At key stage four, students can choose from a well-considered selection of academic and vocational courses, with many studying subjects that contribute to the English Baccalaureate. The curriculum is well-planned to meet pupils' interests and provides the necessary knowledge and vocabulary for success. It is sequenced effectively to allow students to build knowledge over time, and support is provided for weaker readers to develop fluency.
Staff utilize their subject knowledge to create focused lesson activities and provide clear explanations. In most lessons, staff check pupils' understanding and address misconceptions promptly. However, there are instances where this is not consistently applied, leading to gaps in learning and understanding. The school recognizes the importance of recalling previously learned knowledge and provides opportunities for this, although gaps in prior learning are not always identified.
The school effectively supports pupils' personal development, teaching them about safety, health, and respect for different cultures. Pupils engage in community and charity projects and receive guidance on future educational and career choices, including opportunities to meet employers and participate in work experience.
Staff at The Martin High School report high levels of job satisfaction and appreciate the support they receive for managing their workload and developing their expertise. Leaders from the trust provide strong support and challenge to the school as it continues to improve.
The inspection report identified areas for improvement, particularly in the consistent delivery of the curriculum and the application of behavior expectations. Staff need to ensure that pupils' understanding is routinely checked and that lessons are adapted to reinforce prior learning. Additionally, the school must work towards ensuring that all staff apply behavior routines and expectations consistently to minimize disruptions to learning.
Overall, The Martin High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education and fostering a positive environment for its pupils, while also recognizing the need for ongoing development and improvement in certain areas.
