Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, located in Warrington, Cheshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in June 2017. The inspection, conducted on October 5 and 6, 2021, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school community is characterized by a strong sense of belonging, with pupils expressing pride in being part of the Boteler family. They appreciate the close relationships they build with staff and feel safe and accepted in a diverse environment where discrimination is not tolerated.
The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers are committed to providing a rich educational experience, ensuring that pupils progress well through the curriculum and are prepared for future educational or training opportunities. Pupils also benefit from numerous extracurricular activities that foster character development and resilience, with many taking on leadership roles such as prefects and anti-bullying ambassadors.
Leaders have made significant strides in improving the quality of education, offering a broad and balanced curriculum at key stage three and a wide range of subjects at key stage four that align with pupils' interests and ambitions. Subject leaders have carefully planned the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire, and most teachers understand the curriculum's requirements. As a result, many pupils achieve well and develop a solid foundation of knowledge.
However, the inspection identified areas for improvement. In a few subjects, leaders do not sufficiently monitor how effectively teachers deliver the planned curriculum. Consequently, some teachers may not select the most suitable activities to help pupils apply their knowledge in various contexts. Additionally, while the school prioritizes reading, the implementation of reading catch-up strategies for older pupils is still in the early stages, leaving some students with gaps in their reading knowledge that affect their ability to access the curriculum fully.
The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, fostering a strong culture of safety. Staff are well-trained to identify potential risks and are familiar with reporting procedures. Pupils learn about maintaining physical and mental health and know how to seek help if needed. The school collaborates effectively with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and their families.
Governors and trustees provide robust support and challenge to school leaders, and parents and carers have expressed positive feedback about the school. Staff appreciate the support they receive regarding their workload and well-being. Overall, Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils, with clear plans for continued improvement in specific areas.
