Glossopdale School and Sixth Form, located in Hadfield, Glossop, Derbyshire, has recently undergone an inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This is the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005, as the school had not been previously inspected.
Under the leadership of headteacher Debra McGloin, the school is part of the TRUE Learning Partnership, which involves shared responsibilities among trust members. The trust is overseen by CEO Peter Cox and a board of trustees chaired by Grenville Page. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), aiming for them to thrive and demonstrate qualities such as tenacity, hard work, and independence. Most pupils exhibit these characteristics, and sixth-form students appreciate the supportive environment.
Pupils develop positive relationships with their teachers and feel safe within the school. The provision for pupils with SEND includes access to the ‘Hive,’ a quiet space with additional adult support. Most pupils express confidence in reporting bullying, trusting staff to address their concerns effectively. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and community service opportunities, such as a fundraising initiative for a trip to Kenya. Pupils also engage in leadership roles through the school council and charity events.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to help pupils learn progressively complex subject matter. There are opportunities for revisiting prior learning, and an increasing number of pupils are choosing to study modern foreign languages for their GCSEs. In the sixth form, the curriculum builds on prior knowledge from years seven to eleven. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and employ strategies to enhance pupils' vocabulary and understanding. However, some teachers do not consistently check pupils' understanding during lessons, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
Pupils are encouraged to recall previous learning at the start of lessons, and in most subjects, this approach is effective. However, in some areas, including mathematics, pupils struggle to remember what they have learned. The school prioritizes reading, with well-trained staff supporting those who need help to become more fluent readers. Significant improvements have been made in the provision for pupils with SEND, ensuring that all staff are aware of how to support these pupils effectively.
Behaviour in classrooms is generally calm, and both pupils and staff report improvements in behaviour. However, some disruptions occur in specific subjects. While many pupils enjoy school and attend regularly, some vulnerable pupils face challenges with attendance. The school employs various strategies to improve attendance and continues to work with parents and external agencies.
Pupils participate in lessons focused on personal development, learning about respect and the protected characteristics. They also engage in mental health initiatives and career fairs to explore future options. Staff express satisfaction with their work environment, highlighting manageable workloads and opportunities for professional development. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that teachers rigorously check pupils' understanding during lessons and consistently implement strategies for recalling prior knowledge across all subjects. Additionally, support for vulnerable pupils with attendance issues must be strengthened to ensure they can access the quality education provided. Overall, Glossopdale School and Sixth Form demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and supporting the development of all its pupils.
