Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Manningtree High School on 26 April 2018, following its previous judgment of good in December 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain its good status. Since Mrs. Sally Morris's appointment as headteacher in September 2015, there has been a consistent improvement in standards. The leadership team has high expectations, which has positively influenced the aspirations of pupils. Consequently, the progress and attainment of Year 11 pupils in 2017 were above average.
The headteacher has a clear understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses, utilizing external validation through collaboration with other local schools. The school improvement plans are appropriately targeted, although the milestones for measuring success could be more precise, leading to less detailed evaluations of their impact. The leadership team has effectively addressed previous areas for improvement, with consistent assessment procedures now in place. Teachers provide pupils with specific advice on enhancing their work, and inspectors noted engaging and challenging tasks set for pupils, including the most able.
Teaching is monitored through various means, and the progress of all pupil groups is carefully tracked. Staff report positively on the support they receive to enhance their teaching, resulting in improved outcomes for pupils across most subjects. Pupils expressed satisfaction with their school experience, highlighting supportive teachers and good behavior observed throughout the school. The governors are well-equipped to fulfill their duties, actively monitoring standards and holding senior leaders accountable while providing necessary support.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong emphasis on pupil safety from senior staff and governors. Staff are trained in current guidelines, and visitor identities are thoroughly checked. Pre-employment checks are conducted to ensure the safety of pupils. Staff are vigilant regarding signs of risk and follow proper procedures for reporting concerns. The safeguarding lead is proactive in addressing issues and maintaining meticulous pupil files. Most pupils feel safe at school, and there is a general understanding of bullying and online safety. Parents also express confidence in the school's care for their children, particularly those with special educational needs.
The inspection focused on the performance of disadvantaged pupils, whose progress has historically lagged behind their peers. The school effectively utilizes funding to support these pupils, providing one-on-one assistance to help them catch up. Disadvantaged pupils are making good progress across various subjects, with overall progress improving to broadly average by the end of key stage four in 2017. However, persistent absenteeism among a small number of disadvantaged pupils negatively impacts their progress.
Progress in modern foreign languages has been slow in the past, but improvements are evident. The subject leader is implementing effective strategies to enhance progress in French and German, leading to better understanding and skills in grammar and vocabulary. The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to develop subject-specific knowledge in preparation for GCSE courses. Pupils report receiving valuable guidance on option choices, and their work reflects high expectations from teachers.
The school provides good-quality careers information, resulting in a higher-than-average proportion of pupils remaining in education, employment, or training post-16. Next steps for the school include improving attendance among disadvantaged pupils, continuing to enhance progress in modern foreign languages, and ensuring that improvement plans contain precise criteria for measuring success. The inspection findings highlight the school's commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment for all pupils.
