Harper Green School, located in Farnworth, Bolton, has recently undergone an inspection on January 10 and 11, 2023, and has received an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The school is recognized for its strong commitment to providing a safe and friendly environment for its pupils, who express pride in attending the school. They appreciate the individual attention they receive from staff, which fosters a sense of belonging and community.
The leadership at Harper Green School has established high expectations for both behavior and academic performance. Pupils are well aware of what is expected of them and demonstrate focus and engagement during lessons. The school has effective measures in place to address incidents of bullying and discrimination, ensuring that such issues are taken seriously and dealt with appropriately. The atmosphere within the school is characterized by politeness and respect, with pupils looking out for one another and actively participating in community activities.
The curriculum at Harper Green School is well-organized and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully considered the learning objectives at each stage, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared to progress in their education. The assessment processes in place allow for quick identification of any gaps in learning, enabling timely interventions. While most pupils achieve well across subjects, there are areas where some pupils do not reach their full potential due to inconsistent application of staff training.
The school has implemented effective support systems for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they are identified and supported appropriately. Staff training has been provided to help teachers adapt their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of all pupils. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on improving reading skills, with systematic phonics support available for those who require it. The curriculum encourages reading across all subjects, highlighting its importance in both fiction and non-fiction contexts.
Harper Green School has also focused on increasing the uptake of the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, particularly in modern foreign languages, to motivate pupils to continue their studies in key stage four. The school environment is welcoming, and pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and around the school. Those who struggle with making appropriate choices are supported by staff to improve their behavior.
Leaders have thoughtfully planned opportunities for pupils to develop their character through various trips and activities. However, some aspects of the relationships and sex education program require further development to ensure that all pupils receive comprehensive and age-appropriate information. The school has established a coherent program to guide pupils in making informed decisions about their future career paths, providing them with a wealth of information regarding post-16 and post-18 options.
The safeguarding arrangements at Harper Green School are effective, with a strong culture of safety established by the leadership team. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding practices, and effective links with external agencies ensure that pupils and their families receive the necessary support. Overall, while the school has made significant strides in various areas, there are still opportunities for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent application of training across all subjects and enhancing the relationships and sex education curriculum.
