Blackburn Central High School, located in Blackburn, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 13 and 14, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel proud to attend. They enjoy strong, trusting relationships with staff and appreciate the family-like atmosphere that values every individual. The leadership team, including governors, maintains high expectations for student achievement, and pupils respond well to the challenges presented to them, leading to positive learning outcomes.
The school celebrates diversity and has received national recognition for its efforts in promoting inclusion. A culture of respect is well-established, and incidents of bullying are rare. The leadership has effective systems in place to address any issues of bullying or poor behavior, ensuring that pupils feel safe and happy. Opportunities for personal development are abundant, with pupils encouraged to build resilience and communication skills through various roles and community engagement activities. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and sports, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience.
The curriculum at Blackburn Central High School is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully identified essential knowledge for pupils to learn and structured the curriculum to deepen their understanding over time. Teachers demonstrate a high level of subject knowledge and present information clearly, making it accessible to all students. However, in a few subjects, the range of activities and resources provided could be more varied, which sometimes leads to repetition of materials across different key stages. This limits opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge in new contexts.
Assessment practices are generally effective, with subject leaders designing appropriate tasks to check pupils' understanding. Nonetheless, some teachers do not consistently monitor learning during lessons, which can result in misconceptions going unaddressed. This indicates a need for improvement in formative assessment strategies to ensure that all pupils grasp the material being taught.
The school has successfully promoted a love of reading, providing targeted support for pupils who struggle with literacy. This initiative has helped improve their reading fluency and comprehension. The environment is calm and conducive to learning, with a clear behavior management system that is consistently enforced by staff. Pupils report that poor behavior rarely disrupts their education, and any incidents are dealt with promptly.
Personal development is a key focus, with pupils learning about important topics such as healthy relationships and mental well-being, preparing them for life in modern society. The school provides high-quality careers advice, which is valued by students across all year groups. Staff members express satisfaction with their work environment, appreciating the support from leadership and opportunities for professional growth.
The governing body is diverse and effective, providing necessary support and challenge to school leaders. They understand their responsibilities and perform them well. Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders maintaining effective systems to track concerns and ensure pupil safety. Staff are well-trained and vigilant, and the school actively educates pupils about safety, including online risks.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum in some subjects could be more comprehensive, and teachers need to enhance their assessment practices to better identify and address gaps in pupil understanding. Overall, Blackburn Central High School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its students.
