Netherhall School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 April 2025

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, enjoy attending Netherhall School. They feel safe, happy and well supported. Pupils and students in the sixth form participate in an extensive range of activities, including sports events, residential outdoor education, overseas trips and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. They also benefit from visits to local museums, aquariums and theatres. Many pupils enthusiastically take on responsibilities, such as supporting younger pupils to read and raising donations for charity. Pupils also actively take part in musical performances, both in and outside of school. Pupils form positive relationships with each other and staff. They behave well in lessons and during social times. Pupils value the guidance and support that they receive from staff. Sixth-form students serve as excellent role models for younger pupils. Since the previous inspection, the school has raised its expectations for pupils' achievement. Pupils are beginning to benefit from revised curriculums in many subjects. However, there are weaknesses in how well some subject curriculums are delivered, including in the sixth form. As a result, some pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and students in the sixth form, do not achieve as well as they should.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the revised curriculums are not fully embedded. As a result, pupils sometimes have gaps in their prior learning, and this affects how well they learn new content. The school should ensure that the revised subject curriculums are implemented effectively so that pupils' knowledge is secure, and they achieve as well as they should.
• Staff do not consistently choose the most appropriate activities to deliver the intended curriculum effectively. This means that some pupils and students in the sixth form, including those with SEND, do not deepen their learning. The school should continue to provide staff with the support and development needed to deliver the intended curriculums well.
• Some staff do not use assessment strategies consistently well enough to check whether pupils and students have understood their learning. As a result, pupils move on to new content and do not secure previous learning well. The school should continue with its work to ensure that staff identify and address key gaps in learning before introducing new content, so that pupils and students build on their previous knowledge over time.
• At times, governors do not challenge the school effectively. This means that governors do not have a precise understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. The school should ensure that governors receive appropriate support so they can fulfil their strategic role effectively and contribute effectively to the school's improvement.

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