Queen Elizabeth High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 January 2023

This is a school where pupils are valued and well cared for. They enjoy coming to school. They are happy and feel safe. Bullying is rare. Pupils are very confident that staff will deal with any concerns raised. Pupils behave well in lessons. They are respectful towards staff and towards each other. They listen carefully to their teachers and try hard to complete their work. Leaders have high expectations for pupils' achievement. The curriculum has been carefully developed to meet pupils' needs and interests. Teachers have good subject knowledge. They often provide interesting activities for their pupils. However, there is still work to do to make sure all teachers explain new information clearly and give pupils useful feedback on their work. Staff are ambitious for pupils' wider development. Pupils value the broad offer of clubs, activities and external visits. Pupils also benefit from a well-structured careers programme that includes a work experience opportunity for every pupil.

What the school should improve

• There are inconsistencies in the way that teachers deliver the planned curriculum across and within subjects. In particular, there is variation in how well teachers present new subject matter and provide clear, direct feedback that helps pupils address misconceptions. Consequently, pupils do not consistently learn as well as they should. Senior leaders should continue their work in helping teachers to understand and deliver the school's teaching and learning approach.
• Subject leaders do not consistently monitor the effectiveness of teaching and learning policies. As a result, they do not put in place the timely changes that would ensure that the planned strategies have the intended impact on pupils. Leaders need to review their strategic approach to monitoring and review.
• Leaders have not yet developed a strategic approach to improving reading across the school. As a result, not all pupils have the confidence and fluency that will enhance their access to the full curriculum offer. Leaders need to continue their work to develop and implement a school-wide strategic approach to reading.

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