Haydon Bridge High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Pupils at Haydon Bridge High School, including those in the sixth form, do not achieve well and this has been the case for a number of years. Leaders and governors have not acted quickly enough to address weaknesses and improve pupils’ experiences at school. Too many pupils do not attend school regularly. This leads to gaps in pupils' learning. For some pupils, these gaps are not identified or resolved effectively. This hampers their learning. Most of the time, the school is calm. Most pupils want to learn and do their best. However, there are too many occasions when learning is disrupted by poor behaviour. While many pupils enjoy learning, others do not. Pupils feel safe at school. Bullying is rare. If it does happen, it is dealt with effectively. Many pupils have responded well to changes in the way that the curriculum is taught. They are experiencing increased success in their learning. However, these changes are only in the early stages. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, learn best when staff adapt the curriculum to their needs. However, this is not done consistently well. The careers programme at the school is not as well developed as it needs to be. Too many pupils are not well prepared for their next stage of education, employment or training. Pupils learn about fundamental British values, such as democracy, tolerance and respect. They generally have positive relationships with one another and with staff. They learn how to keep themselves healthy and safe. They have opportunities for broader experiences, such as engaging with the local community through 'chat and crochet' mornings. The 'Pupil Parliament' offers pupils leadership opportunities. This group works with staff to suggest aspects of the school that could be improved.

What the school should improve

• Those responsible for governance must act swiftly to ensure that leaders have the capacity they need to bring about essential improvements, so that pupils are prepared fully for the next stages of their education, training or employment. • Leaders must review and adapt the attendance strategy to ensure that pupils attend well. • Leaders must ensure that the curriculum is implemented effectively in all subjects, so that all pupils, including students in the post-16 provision, secure important knowledge and skills and achieve well. • Leaders should further embed the revised behaviour policy and make sure that all staff apply the policy consistently, so that pupils know how they are expected to conduct themselves. • Leaders should ensure that all pupils benefit from an effective personal development programme, in particular by developing the school's careers offer and its extra-curricular provision. • Leaders should continue their work to communicate with parents and carers and engage with the wider community, so that the school benefits from positive partnerships that are focused on enhancing pupils’ experiences.

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