Highfields School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 February 2026

Pupils enjoy being part of this welcoming and inclusive school community. They feel safe, valued and supported. Pupils speak confidently about the positive relationships they have with staff and with one another. A clear sense of belonging is evident. Pupils take pride in the school’s values. Their attendance is high, reflecting their enjoyment of school life. Behaviour across the school is calm and orderly. Expectations are clear and consistently understood. Pupils rise to these high standards. Classrooms are typically purposeful and focused, allowing learning to take place without disruption. Pupils report that bullying is rare and that staff deal with any concerns effectively. Pupils trust staff to listen to them and to act in their best interests. Teachers know pupils well and provide support when pupils face barriers to learning or wellbeing. This ensures that pupils can access the curriculum and achieve well from their starting points. This includes those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils achieve really well over time. Pupils benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum. There is a range of academic and vocational options available as they move through the school. Enrichment and extra-curricular activities support pupils’ personal development. Pupils enjoy opportunities such as sports, creative activities and residential visits. Disadvantaged pupils are supported to take part and broaden their horizons. Post-16 students value the high-quality pastoral care they receive and the trusting relationships they build with staff. Students benefit from well-considered personal, social, health and economic education and careers guidance. This prepares them well for their next steps. Students act as positive role models and contribute to the aspirational culture of the school. Pupils benefit from a caring environment with high expectations. They are proud to belong to the school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teaching, including aspects of the personal development programme, consistently deepens pupils’ knowledge and understanding, with teachers addressing any misconceptions, as necessary.
• Leaders should ensure that changes to improve identified areas of the school’s work are implemented by all staff consistently well and swiftly.

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