Burnley High School, located in Burnley, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 28 and 29, 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing pride in being part of a close-knit environment where staff prioritize their wellbeing and safety. The new school building offers high-quality facilities that students appreciate. Pupils feel secure and know whom to approach if they have concerns, with teachers effectively addressing any instances of bullying.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, with clear rules known as the BHS Way. This consistency contributes to a calm atmosphere where pupils behave well, move sensibly around the school, and engage positively during social times. In lessons, students are attentive and participate actively when prompted by their teachers. The leadership team, including governors and trustees, is ambitious for all pupils, ensuring that staff prepare them well for future challenges. This commitment extends to all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who progress effectively through the curriculum.
Burnley High School offers a robust personal development curriculum that equips pupils with essential knowledge for leading safe and fulfilling lives. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including trips that enhance learning experiences, such as the Year 8 geography trip to the Lake District. Leaders have made significant strides in ensuring that all pupils, including disadvantaged students, have access to a broad and ambitious curriculum. They are also working to increase the number of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects.
While most subjects in key stage three are well-structured, there are a few areas where curriculum design could be improved to ensure that pupils acquire knowledge more effectively. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and adapt their teaching to meet the needs of their pupils, helping them avoid common mistakes and reinforcing previous learning. They employ various strategies to assess understanding and address any gaps in knowledge.
Pupils exhibit good behavior throughout the school, respecting the facilities and adhering to established routines. They are motivated to succeed and display positive attitudes toward their learning. The school has implemented effective systems to identify and support pupils with reading difficulties, leading to increased confidence and fluency in reading. Additionally, the personal development curriculum is well-designed, providing opportunities for pupils to engage with relevant issues and receive guidance on their future careers.
Staff members appreciate the support from leaders and governors, particularly in managing their workload. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, with leaders knowledgeable about local and national safeguarding matters. Staff are trained to recognize signs of potential harm and work collaboratively with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and their families.
Overall, Burnley High School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil wellbeing, safety, and personal development. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education and are well-prepared for their future endeavors. However, there remains a need for ongoing improvement in certain subjects to ensure that all pupils achieve the same depth of knowledge across the curriculum.
