Huntcliff School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 June 2023

Leaders encourage pupils to demonstrate the school ethos, 'be ready, be respectful, be responsible'. Pupils are polite and welcoming to visitors. In lessons, pupils behave well and focus on learning. Although bullying occurs, it is infrequent. The majority of pupils have confidence in adults to resolve it effectively. Leaders regularly seek to understand pupils' concerns. However, a small minority of pupils shared with inspectors that they are not confident to raise these with adults. Pupils benefit from the care and expertise of pastoral staff. There is substantial support to help pupils keep mentally healthy. Leaders ensure that the curriculum extends beyond academic subjects. For example, during the inspection, pupils learned about diversity and the development of the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in different countries. Pupils understood how this connected with fundamental British values, such as individual liberty. There are a variety of opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. Some pupils attend extra-curricular clubs, such as those in computing and robotics, choir or sports.

What the school should improve

• In a minority of lessons, the activity choices and approaches used by teachers do not consistently support pupils' understanding of new knowledge. This can slow pupils' progress through the intended curriculum. Leaders should ensure that the approaches used by teachers, and the activities pupils complete, are consistently aligned with the aims of the curriculum.
• Many pupils do not access the diverse personal development opportunities available to them. The extent that pupils benefit from aspects of the school's personal development offer is variable. Leaders should ensure that pupils consistently benefit from the well-planned personal development entitlement.

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