Highfields School, located in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on 19 and 20 October 2021. The school was rated as good overall, with outstanding marks in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development. The quality of education and leadership and management were also rated as good, while the sixth-form provision maintained a good standard. This was the first routine inspection since the school was established as an academy.
The inspection highlighted that Highfields School is a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and well cared for. The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with rare incidents reported, and when they do occur, staff are quick to address them. Relationships between pupils and staff are strong, fostering a respectful atmosphere. New students, particularly those entering Year 7, receive excellent support to help them integrate smoothly into school life.
Pupil behavior is exemplary, contributing to a calm and focused learning environment. Teachers maintain high expectations, which pupils understand and strive to meet. The school promotes a holistic approach to education, emphasizing personal development alongside academic achievement. Leaders aim for all pupils to become proud and active members of the school community. The sixth-form students serve as positive role models, and a variety of extracurricular activities are available, which are well-received by the pupils.
The leadership team is ambitious and aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They work collaboratively with staff to enhance the quality of education. Pupils take pride in their school and demonstrate exceptional behavior, contributing to a positive school culture. The curriculum is well-structured across most subjects, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. For instance, in history, pupils study local history before moving on to broader topics, while in English, they learn about the historical context of the literature they study.
However, the inspection identified some areas for improvement. In mathematics, there are instances where teachers do not check pupils' understanding promptly, leading to gaps in knowledge. Additionally, the modern foreign languages curriculum at key stage three lacks ambition compared to other subjects, limiting pupils' vocabulary and exposure to diverse topics. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that teachers consistently assess understanding before introducing new material and to enhance the modern foreign languages curriculum to better equip pupils for future learning.
The school has a strong reading culture, with teachers actively promoting the importance of reading and providing opportunities for pupils to engage with texts. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is well-structured, ensuring they have full access to the curriculum and achieve commendable outcomes.
The personal development curriculum is outstanding, offering a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that pupils value. The school provides high-quality careers advice and guidance, linking subjects to real-world applications and community involvement. The trustees support the school effectively, celebrating its strengths while also challenging leaders to pursue continuous improvement.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a skilled team working closely with staff and external agencies to protect vulnerable pupils. Leaders prioritize safeguarding and are quick to address any concerns, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support for their well-being. Overall, Highfields School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
