Richard Hale School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 July 2024

Pupils live out the school's vision of 'learning with virtue'. They have thoughtful opportunities to develop their character. Activities such as team sports and coaching foster pupils' happiness. Additionally, comprehensive pastoral support helps pupils to be safe. The school's aim for pupils to respect others is realised. Pupils behave well in and out of lessons. This happens because they build positive relationships with staff. Respecting staff means pupils follow rules and routines. The school is a happy place to learn and work in. Pupils reap the rewards of leaders' commitment to enhance the curriculum. This commitment results in lessons that feature clear explanations from teachers. Teachers ask helpful questions to check pupils' understanding. Pupils, including sixth-form students, gain good knowledge in their subjects and perform highly in national examinations. Pupils' experiences extend beyond the academic. For example, Year 7 pupils go on a residential trip and Year 9 pupils learn vehicle maintenance. There are extensive extra-curricular opportunities. These include chess, football and robotics, to name a few. Pupils are well prepared for their future. The school provides strong careers advice and support for university and apprenticeship applications. Sixth-form students engage with visiting speakers to aid their decision-making. Most students progress into higher education.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, the curriculum does not always make clear links between new and previous learning. The school should continue the curriculum development in these few remaining subjects to ensure that it is planned and delivered in incremental steps so that pupils can gradually build, and retain, the knowledge they need to succeed.

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