Holyhead School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 May 2025

Holyhead School is a place where everyone is valued and included. The school's work to support all pupils' development, especially disadvantaged pupils, is a strength. Pupils understand and follow the school values of 'respect, responsibility, excellence and courage'. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. Pupils, parents and carers, and staff commonly talk about the school as a 'family' where 'everyone supports and looks out for each other'. All pupils who spoke to inspectors agree that this is a positive environment to learn in. Pupils are safe and happy here. The school has high expectations for pupils' academic and wider achievements. Pupils focus on their learning well and are rewarded for their positive achievements. Teachers calmly support any pupils who lose concentration and successfully help them regain focus. During social times, pupils mix with others thoughtfully. Pupils know who to talk to about any concerns they may have. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils' personal development. This includes mental health and well-being. Pupils explain their understanding of diversity and equality in society maturely. They relish leadership opportunities, including as sixth-form student 'reading mentors' or as 'teaching support' in lessons such as science and mathematics, helping younger pupils. Pupils regularly take part in activities such as film clubs, anime and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, some teaching is not consistently effective. This means that, sometimes, teachers do not check and help pupils to fully understand the necessary knowledge as securely in some subjects as others. The school should ensure that teachers are equipped to check and act on key gaps in pupils' understanding well, so that pupils understand and remember the key knowledge they need.
• In some subjects, sometimes teaching is not adapted effectively to ensure that all pupils are both supported and challenged in their learning. As a result, some pupils do not deepen their knowledge and embed key skills in some subjects. The school should ensure that all teachers have the support to adapt their teaching to enable all pupils to receive the support and challenge needed to deepen their knowledge and key skills.

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