Wickersley School and Sports College, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on November 22 and 23, 2023. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This marks a significant achievement for the school, which had not been previously inspected under the current framework.
The headteacher, Tony Hardcastle, leads the school, which is part of the Wickersley Partnership Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Helen O’Brien and a board of trustees chaired by Steve Calvert. The school has made considerable efforts to improve the quality of education provided to its pupils, particularly in response to previous challenges in student performance in key stage assessments. The curriculum has been broadened and refined, allowing pupils to gain a deeper understanding of the subjects they study.
Wickersley School offers a comprehensive curriculum that caters to all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has implemented effective support systems for these pupils, ensuring they can access the curriculum and receive the necessary assistance. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in supporting pupils who struggle with reading fluency. Some students have not received adequate phonics support, which has hindered their ability to catch up quickly.
The school environment is reported to be safe, with most pupils expressing confidence in the staff's ability to address any concerns, including instances of bullying. The leadership has successfully raised behavioural expectations, resulting in improved conduct among students. Attendance rates are also commendable, with effective systems in place to support students in maintaining regular attendance.
The curriculum design has been a focal point for improvement, with leaders identifying essential knowledge for each subject. Most subjects have seen positive outcomes, with pupils demonstrating increased retention of knowledge over time. However, some gaps in knowledge remain, particularly in subjects where curriculum changes have recently been implemented. The school is aware of these gaps and is actively working to address them.
In terms of personal development, the school prepares students well for life in modern Britain, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and respect. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is undergoing enhancements to ensure it meets the needs of all students. The careers programme is highly effective, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their future pathways.
The sixth form at Wickersley School is well-regarded, offering a diverse range of subjects and strong pastoral support. Students feel well-prepared for their next steps, whether that be further education or employment. The leadership team has a clear vision for the school, supported by the trust, and staff training is prioritized to ensure high-quality teaching.
Despite the positive outcomes, the school recognizes the need for ongoing improvements, particularly in ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to become fluent readers. Additionally, there is a need for teachers to consistently check for understanding before progressing in lessons to prevent gaps in knowledge. Overall, Wickersley School and Sports College is making significant strides in providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its students.