Middlewich High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 December 2022

Leaders are ambitious for pupils at Middlewich High School. Pupils respond well to leaders' expectations that they should aspire, believe and belong. In recent years, leaders have considerably improved many aspects of the school. Pupils and staff spoke positively about the changes that leaders have made. Leaders have created an increasingly academic culture. Leaders have secured considerable improvements to the quality of education. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those in the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND (specially resourced provision), achieve well. Pupils feel happy and safe. Most pupils are respectful towards each other and to adults. Pupils typically have positive attitudes to learning and behave well. However, some pupils do not always choose to behave as well as they should in lessons and around the school. Leaders have successfully established effective systems to improve the behaviour of these pupils. Pupils explained that leaders do not tolerate bullying or the use of derogatory language. When bullying incidents occur, adults deal with these quickly and effectively. Pupils comment that they can approach staff about any worries or concerns they may have. Pupils enjoy the range of extra-curricular clubs on offer, to develop their skills, aptitudes and interests. These activities include numerous sports and performance opportunities. For example, during the inspection, pupils were keen to share how much they were looking forward to taking part in the Christmas production.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not regulate their own behaviour as well as they should in lessons and during social times. This means that, occasionally, their behaviour disrupts the learning of their peers. Leaders should continue their work with these pupils, to secure ongoing improvements to their behaviour.
• In a very small number of subjects, some teachers are still refining how well they deliver the curriculum. This hinders how well some pupils learn in these subjects. Leaders should ensure that all teachers are equipped to deliver the curriculum consistently well.
• A small number of older pupils do not read as well as they should. This affects how well some of these pupils access the wider curriculum. Leaders should ensure that older pupils benefit fully from leaders' strategies to develop and improve their reading knowledge.

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