Glossopdale School and Sixth Form

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 November 2023

The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The aim is that pupils 'thrive' and show tenacity, hard work, responsibility, independence, vision and excellence. Most pupils demonstrate these characteristics. Students in the sixth form talk about the positive and supportive environment they enjoy. Pupils develop positive relationships with their teachers. They feel safe. Pupils with SEND can access the 'Hive', a quiet space with extra adult support. Most pupils who expressed a view said that they are not worried about bullying. They share concerns with staff and trust them to take effective action. A small number of pupils say they would not always share their concerns about bullying. Pupils benefit from a range of wider opportunities. They take part in football, netball and dance clubs. Over one hundred pupils are currently volunteering to raise money for a trip to Kenya where they will take part in community work. During the inspection, local primary schools visited to watch the school production of 'Frozen'. Pupils develop their leadership skills by taking part in the school council. They organise bake sales for charity. Sixth-form students support younger pupils in lessons and welcome visitors at school events.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers do not rigorously check pupils' understanding in lessons. As a result, teachers do not always move pupils' learning on at the most appropriate point. Some pupils do not secure the knowledge they need to be able to access subsequent learning. The school should ensure that teachers know how best to check pupils' understanding so that they can address any misconceptions or gaps in knowledge before moving learning on.
• In some subjects, the strategies that teachers use to help pupils recall knowledge they have previously learned are not consistently effective. Where this is the case, pupils are not routinely able to remember what they have learned before. The school should ensure that there is consistency across all subjects in how teachers support pupils in their successful recall of previous learning.
• Some vulnerable pupils are persistently absent. As a result, they cannot access the good quality of education that the school provides. The school should ensure that these pupils receive the support they need to enable them to improve their attendance.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)