The Hinckley School, located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on September 12 and 13, 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. The headteacher, Lisa Hickman, leads the school, which is part of The Futures Trust, overseen by interim CEO Stephen Toor and a board of trustees chaired by Anthony Fitzpatrick.
Pupils at The Hinckley School exhibit politeness and respect, contributing to a positive school community. Most students report happiness in their school environment, supported by strong pastoral guidance that aids their transition from primary to secondary education. The school emphasizes high aspirations for all students, particularly in Year 7, where tailored support is provided. Sixth-form students appreciate the personalized assistance they receive to help them achieve their goals.
Behaviour among pupils is generally good, with staff managing conduct fairly. The school promotes understanding of positive relationships and teaches students about potential risks in the wider world, ensuring they learn how to keep themselves safe. A variety of enrichment activities, including music, drama, computer programming, and geology, are available to all pupils, with particular attention given to ensuring disadvantaged students can participate.
The school has established a culture of belonging, fostering strong relationships between staff and students. Leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils feel included in the school community. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, offering a wide range of subjects, including classics and Latin, alongside traditional subjects. The school plans to expand course options for pupils in the future.
Teachers collaborate effectively to create engaging learning activities, focusing on vocabulary and communication to build students' confidence. In most lessons, clear explanations are provided, and opportunities for discussion and practice are available. However, there are instances where lesson activities do not sufficiently reinforce important knowledge, leading to gaps in understanding for some pupils. The school recognizes the need for improvement in this area.
The school prioritizes reading, quickly identifying pupils who require additional support and providing resources to help them catch up. A well-stocked library and quality texts are integral to this initiative. While overall attendance is good, some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disadvantaged students, experience higher rates of absence. The school is implementing strategies to improve attendance for all students.
Personal development is supported through a curriculum that prepares pupils for their future in modern Britain, emphasizing British values, diversity, and equality. Sixth-form students are well-prepared for higher education and future careers, often engaging in projects that support younger pupils and the wider community.
Staff collaboration is strong, with a focus on professional development and well-being. The school supports staff in managing their workload effectively. Safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that teachers consistently check pupils' understanding and address misconceptions. Additionally, lesson planning needs to focus more sharply on the essential knowledge outlined in the curriculum. The school is committed to addressing these areas to enhance the educational experience for all students.
