The Heys School, located in Prestwich, Manchester, has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The inspection took place on the 25th and 26th of June 2024. The school, which is part of The Rowan Learning Trust, is led by headteacher Paul McKendrick and has a strong governance structure overseen by CEO Phillip Rimmer and chair of trustees George Wilson.
Pupils at The Heys School experience a calm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters kindness and respect among students and staff alike. This positive environment contributes to the happiness of the pupils, who are encouraged to engage in community activities and take pride in their achievements. The school maintains high expectations for behavior, resulting in a generally well-behaved student body with minimal disruption to learning. Staff provide effective support for those who require assistance in managing their behavior and emotions.
The school has made significant strides in raising aspirations for pupil achievement. Most students produce high-quality work and demonstrate their knowledge through active participation in lessons. The curriculum is broad and balanced, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have access to the same opportunities as their peers. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils benefit from the wide range of experiences available, particularly those who are disadvantaged.
In recent years, The Heys School has revamped its curriculum to make it more ambitious, offering a diverse range of subjects that align with pupils' interests. However, the proportion of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects remains low, as the school has prioritized giving students more choice in their GCSE options. The published data for 2023 does not accurately reflect the current learning progress of pupils, but the revised curriculum is structured to build on prior knowledge effectively.
While the curriculum is generally well delivered, there are instances where teachers do not adequately check pupils' understanding before introducing new concepts, leading to potential gaps in knowledge. The school is dedicated to fostering a love of reading, providing regular opportunities for pupils to read together and ensuring that those who struggle with reading receive tailored support to help them catch up.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with SEND and implementing effective strategies to support their learning. Attendance is a focus area, with measures in place to improve rates, although some pupils still miss school too frequently, impacting their learning opportunities. The positive attitudes of pupils towards their education are evident, with a notable decrease in suspensions, resulting in more time spent on learning.
The personal, social, health, and economic education program is well-designed, equipping pupils with knowledge about healthy relationships and safety. The school provides extensive careers education, helping pupils make informed choices about their futures, which facilitates smooth transitions into further education or employment.
The academy trust has been instrumental in supporting the school, ensuring that pupils receive a high-quality education while managing teacher workloads effectively. The commitment to supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND is commendable. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
To improve further, the school must focus on enhancing attendance rates for those who are frequently absent and ensure that teachers are equipped to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge before introducing new learning.
