Bridgewater High School, located in Appleton, Warrington, Cheshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on 11 and 12 October 2022, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all assessed areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school has not been previously inspected under the Education Act 2005, as it was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
The school is characterized by a welcoming and friendly environment where leaders and staff maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour and achievement. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, engage well with their learning due to the successful improvements made to the curriculum. Pupils express happiness in their school experience, feeling safe and supported, with a strong understanding of equality and diversity. They know whom to approach with concerns, and incidents of bullying are managed effectively by staff.
Strong relationships between staff and pupils are evident, particularly in the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND. The majority of pupils demonstrate good behaviour in lessons and throughout the school, showing respect and kindness towards one another. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, science, and cookery clubs, as well as opportunities for leadership roles. Pupils with SEND are included in all school activities, ensuring they benefit from the same opportunities as their peers.
The leadership team, including the CEO and local governors, is committed to providing the best for all pupils. They have developed an ambitious curriculum that covers the full range of national curriculum subjects at key stages three and four. However, the proportion of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate is low, prompting leaders to implement measures to encourage more pupils to take modern foreign languages in key stage four.
Subject leaders have designed coherent curriculums that build on prior knowledge, and teachers utilize various assessment strategies to monitor understanding and address misconceptions. While most teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum effectively, there are a few subjects where delivery could be improved, impacting some pupils' learning.
Reading is a priority at Bridgewater High School, with additional support provided to pupils who struggle. This focus has fostered a love of reading among pupils, most of whom become confident and fluent readers. The school emphasizes the importance of subject-specific vocabulary, aiding pupils' comprehension across the curriculum.
Pupils with SEND have their needs identified effectively, and the specially resourced provision offers the necessary support. However, a small number of these pupils do not achieve as well as they could in certain subjects due to inconsistent use of information by some teachers.
The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere, with effective behaviour management strategies in place. Pupils follow established routines, allowing for a conducive learning environment. Leaders prioritize personal development, focusing on pupils' physical and mental health, and ensure that all pupils receive appropriate education on relationships, sex, and health.
Career guidance is provided to help pupils make informed decisions about their future, with nearly all pupils progressing to further education, training, or employment after Year 11. Staff express pride in their work at the school, feeling valued and supported by leadership, which actively seeks to reduce workload and enhance well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bridgewater High School are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance. Staff receive regular training and are aware of the signs of potential harm, ensuring that pupils are kept safe both in school and in the community. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
