Hawkley Hall High School, located in Wigan, Lancashire, was inspected on 12-13 February 2019 and received a rating of good across all areas, including leadership and management, teaching and learning, personal development, behavior, welfare, and pupil outcomes. The school has made significant strides in addressing previous weaknesses, with senior leaders demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the educational experience for all pupils. Staff and pupils express confidence in the leadership, which has fostered a positive school culture. However, governance remains complex, and clarity in responsibilities is needed to enhance accountability and challenge.
The training provided for staff is a notable strength, equipping them with the skills and confidence to support pupil learning effectively. Middle leaders receive targeted training, although some are still developing in their roles. While safeguarding measures are robust, there are areas where documentation does not fully reflect the school's practices, particularly regarding the use of pupil and catch-up premiums.
Pupils exhibit polite and respectful behavior, contributing to a harmonious school environment. Fixed-term exclusions are more prevalent among boys, but overall, incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils feel safe. Attendance rates align with national averages, and pupils are punctual. Recent improvements in pupil progress have been noted, particularly for current students, although some disadvantaged and lower-attaining pupils still require additional support to ensure they achieve their potential.
Teaching quality is generally good, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and engaging pupils through effective questioning. However, there are instances where teaching in lower sets is less effective, and expectations for lower-attaining pupils may not be sufficiently high. The curriculum has been revised to better meet pupil needs, with a focus on vocational courses and adequate time for core subjects. Assessment practices are well-structured, although ongoing assessments could be utilized more effectively to inform teaching.
Pupils' personal development is a key focus, with a strong emphasis on their welfare and opportunities for involvement in decision-making processes. The school promotes a range of extracurricular activities, enhancing pupils' social and cultural awareness. The PSHE curriculum covers essential topics, equipping pupils with knowledge about relationships, mental health, and citizenship.
The school has implemented a comprehensive careers education program, preparing pupils for future pathways, including further education and apprenticeships. The transition to post-16 education is well-supported, with a high proportion of pupils successfully moving on to appropriate courses.
Overall, Hawkley Hall High School is a good school that has made significant progress in recent years. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in governance and the consistency of teaching across all sets, the commitment of leaders and staff to pupil success is evident. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive academically and personally.
