Hastings High School, located in Burbage, Hinckley, Leicestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 23 and 24, 2023. The school fosters a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. The leadership team emphasizes high expectations, which students appreciate, and the school's core values of Community, Ambition, Responsibility, Enrichment, and Self-development are integral to daily life. The sense of belonging to the Hastings Family is palpable among both staff and students.
Students at Hastings High School perform well academically, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. This success is attributed to the effective delivery of the curriculum by teachers in most lessons. The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere, which facilitates learning and concentration. Instances of bullying are infrequent, and when they do occur, school leaders respond promptly and effectively. Students report feeling safe within the school environment.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance the educational experience. Students participate in numerous clubs and external visits, such as a journalism club that produces the Hastings Herald, a magazine that keeps the school community informed about various developments. The curriculum is designed to build sequentially over time, although there are areas where leaders need to ensure consistent implementation across all subjects.
Hastings High School has a clear and ambitious vision for its curriculum, providing a broad range of subjects accessible to all students, including those with special educational needs. The curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, allowing students to acquire and retain knowledge effectively. For instance, geography lessons in Year 7 introduce students to their roles as UK citizens and the implications of current geopolitical events, which are further explored in later years.
However, there are some areas for improvement. The implementation of the curriculum is not yet consistent across all subjects, which can hinder students' understanding and retention of key knowledge. Leaders recognize this challenge and are committed to ensuring that the curriculum is uniformly applied, enabling students to recall information more effectively over time.
Teachers at Hastings High School demonstrate strong subject knowledge, which enhances their teaching effectiveness. They utilize introductory tasks at the beginning of lessons to assess students' prior knowledge, allowing for a seamless transition into new material. Regular quizzes are also employed to gauge students' understanding.
The school prioritizes the development of oracy and vocabulary, equipping students with the skills to articulate their learning confidently. Support is provided to ensure that all students, particularly those who may struggle, receive the necessary assistance to become proficient readers. Resources are effectively utilized to adapt the curriculum for students with special educational needs, and leaders are exploring ways to further enhance support through teaching assistants.
A positive behavior system is in place, focusing on rewarding students for their achievements, which motivates them to excel. The personal development curriculum is comprehensive, preparing students for their future educational paths. Careers advice is provided, particularly in Year 9, to help students make informed choices about their subjects.
Staff members appreciate the support from school leaders and value the professional development opportunities available to them. The governing body effectively supports and challenges school leaders, ensuring that statutory responsibilities are met.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hastings High School are robust, with strong systems in place to track and address concerns. Staff receive regular training to identify and assist at-risk students, and the school maintains rigorous pre-employment checks for all adults.
Overall, Hastings High School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment, with a commitment to ongoing improvement in curriculum implementation and student achievement.
