Lathom High School : A Technology College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 June 2022

Pupils experience a much stronger education than they did in the past. This is because leaders, governors and staff have worked effectively to improve the school since the previous inspection. Staff have high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Pupils enjoy attending school. They appreciate the caring and friendly atmosphere. Most parents and carers are positive about the school. Pupils who are new to school settle quickly because they are welcomed into the school's family. Pupils feel safe. They know that there is a member of staff who will help them if they have a concern. Most pupils trust that staff will resolve any issues of bullying swiftly. Most pupils have positive relationships with each other and their teachers. Pupils are courteous and respectful. They behave well during breaktimes and in lessons. Classrooms are calm places to learn. Pupils listen carefully and try hard with their work in lessons. Pupils like taking part in sporting events and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They benefit from a wide range of trips, including to the theatre and overseas. For example, pupils spoke enthusiastically about their virtual tour of the Houses of Parliament. These experiences help to broaden pupils' horizons. Pupils enjoy taking on responsibilities, such as coaching younger pupils in sports and protecting the school environment through litter picking.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is not designed effectively in a small number of subjects. Leaders should continue to develop the identification of key knowledge and sequence of learning in these subjects. Leaders should ensure that the subject curriculums are fully embedded so that pupils know and remember more.
• Some teachers do not check well enough what pupils know before moving on to more complex tasks. This means that some pupils develop gaps in their knowledge and are not able to build on what they know. Leaders should ensure that teachers check what pupils know more consistently so they can deepen their understanding over time.
• The transition arrangements were used on this inspection to confirm that pupils benefit from a good quality education.

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