Ellesmere Park High School, located in Eccles, Manchester, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 11 and 12, 2023. The school has maintained this level of effectiveness since its previous inspection in March 2020. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management have all been rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning.
Pupils at Ellesmere Park High School express enjoyment in attending the school, highlighting a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. They demonstrate a strong sense of pride in their school community, actively participating in initiatives such as fundraising for charities. The leadership team has established high expectations for both learning and behavior, ensuring that the school's ethos is integrated into daily life. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities benefit from an ambitious curriculum, achieving well alongside their peers. The specially resourced provision for these pupils also contributes positively to their educational outcomes.
Safety is a priority at the school, with pupils feeling secure and protected from bullying. The leadership team addresses any incidents of discrimination or derogatory language promptly, fostering a respectful and kind environment among students. Positive relationships are evident between pupils and staff, contributing to a supportive school culture.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, which many pupils enjoy. Events such as the annual Ellesmere Parklife music festival allow students to showcase their talents and engage with the community. The leadership team encourages participation in these activities, recognizing their importance in personal development.
Ellesmere Park High School has cultivated an aspirational culture, with an increasing number of pupils opting for the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects in key stage four. Many students achieve well and successfully apply to a variety of post-16 destinations. Although the COVID-19 pandemic impacted some examination results in 2022, current pupils are making good progress and overcoming previous learning gaps.
Recent enhancements to the curriculum, particularly in key stage three, have been implemented effectively in most subjects. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of improvement, lacking clarity on the essential knowledge pupils need to retain long-term. This can hinder effective teaching and learning in those areas. Nevertheless, many teachers employ successful strategies to help pupils remember what they have learned and address any gaps in knowledge.
Leaders are proactive in identifying additional needs among pupils, ensuring that those with SEND receive appropriate support. The school has also recognized pupils who struggle with reading, providing necessary assistance to help them catch up. Most pupils conduct themselves well, treating each other with respect, and attendance is generally good, although efforts are ongoing to improve attendance among disadvantaged pupils.
The school has a comprehensive personal development program that prepares pupils for life in modern society. The careers program is thorough, helping students make informed choices about their futures. The board of trustees works closely with school leaders, providing both support and challenge. Staff members report feeling well-supported and valued, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ellesmere Park High School are effective, with clear procedures in place to protect pupils. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of risk and act swiftly on any concerns. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
To further improve, the school should ensure that all subjects have clearly defined knowledge goals and that assessment strategies are aligned with the curriculum. This will help teachers accurately identify gaps in pupils' learning and enhance overall educational outcomes.
