Ponteland High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 May 2023

Leaders and staff have high ambitions for what pupils can, and will, achieve at Ponteland High School. Pupils understand that they are expected to give their best every day. Pupils reflect these expectations in their positive attitudes to learning and excellent conduct. Around the school, there is a warm and friendly atmosphere. Staff and pupils share strong, respectful relationships. High-quality pastoral and academic support are available to all. Pupils know there is someone they can speak to if something worries them. They feel safe in school and appreciate the excellent facilities available. As a result, many pupils participate widely in extra-curricular activities. These include several musical groups, sports teams of all abilities and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Staff communicate regularly with parents to celebrate pupils' successes. Pupils who learn to play an instrument have their talent recognised during rehearsals. Large numbers of pupils participate in educational visits and trips abroad. These opportunities broaden pupils' horizons and help them understand the wider world. Leaders have focused on the right priorities at the right time. This has led to sustained improvements in the quality of education and behaviour at the school. There is absolute commitment from leaders at all levels to make the school the best that it can be.

What the school should improve

• Support for a small number of pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read is underdeveloped. Leaders have adopted strategies to improve pupils' fluency and comprehension. However, pupils whose phonic knowledge is not secure do not receive enough support to catch up. Leaders should make sure they develop strategies to identify and support pupils whose phonic knowledge is weak and provide appropriate staff training.
• The implementation of the PSHE curriculum is inconsistent. The subject and teaching knowledge of staff are variable. As a result, some pupils' understanding of diversity, inclusion and British values are weak. A minority of pupils do not demonstrate British values as well as they might. Leaders should evaluate how well the PSHE curriculum is implemented by staff. They should ensure pupils understand the main messages it conveys, planning development opportunities for staff in response to their findings.

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