Melland High School, located in Gorton, Greater Manchester, is recognized as an outstanding institution, continuing to excel in providing quality education for its students. Under the leadership of Principal Sue Warner, the school operates within the Bright Futures Educational Trust, which ensures a collaborative approach to governance and management. The trust is led by CEO John Stephens and overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Daniel Rubin.
The school offers a vibrant and supportive environment where pupils thrive both socially and academically. Every student has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, and the school maintains high expectations for all pupils, regardless of their individual pathways. The dedicated staff work tirelessly to create an engaging and carefully adapted curriculum that meets the diverse needs of the students. This commitment ensures that pupils not only enjoy their educational experience but also achieve personal and academic success.
Pupil behavior at Melland High School is exemplary, supported by effective routines that foster a calm and secure atmosphere. The school emphasizes the importance of equipping students with essential life skills, preparing them to contribute positively to society. This focus extends to the sixth form, where students are encouraged to develop independence and social skills through various enriching activities, including outdoor pursuits and performing arts projects.
The curriculum at Melland High School is ambitious and broad, designed to cater to the individual needs of each pupil. The school has thoughtfully mapped out the knowledge and vocabulary that students should acquire over time, ensuring a coherent and personalized learning experience. Staff utilize information from EHC plans to create engaging activities and adapt their teaching methods responsively. Continuous assessment is employed to refine pupils' learning, and the curriculum is revisited frequently to reinforce knowledge retention.
Reading, language, and communication skills are prioritized, with staff collaborating closely with speech and language therapists. The school employs a range of techniques to support pupils in expressing their needs and desires, fostering confidence in their communication abilities. The phonics program is effectively implemented, allowing pupils to read from books that align with their current knowledge, promoting fluency and confidence in reading.
Attendance at Melland High School is strong, bolstered by the trusting relationships that staff cultivate with pupils. The staff's extensive training in behavior management equips them to respond sensitively to students who may feel overwhelmed. Classrooms are dynamic environments where pupils actively engage in their learning.
Personal development is central to the school's mission, with staff seizing every opportunity to teach vital life skills. Sixth form students learn practical skills such as navigating public transport and managing daily tasks. The school fosters a deep understanding of respect, tolerance, and diversity, encouraging pupils to participate in city-wide initiatives that promote awareness of special educational needs and disabilities.
Career education is integrated throughout the school experience, with meaningful encounters with local employers and tailored work experience programs for sixth form students. The governance of the school is robust, with trustees and governors providing effective oversight and support. Staff feel valued and supported in their professional development, contributing to a cohesive and proud school community.
The safeguarding arrangements at Melland High School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the second ungraded evaluation since the school was deemed outstanding in 2013, confirming its continued excellence in education. The school does not utilize alternative provisions and caters specifically to pupils aged 11 to 19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, and autism. The commitment to providing a high-quality education remains evident in all aspects of the school's operations.
