Ruskin Community High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 June 2024

Pupils are polite and courteous. They behave well. Most enjoy attending school and value the warm and respectful relationships that they develop with staff and their peers. Pupils learn about the religious, social and cultural differences found within the local community. They recognise the importance of everyone playing their part in making the school a welcoming environment for all. The school has increasingly high expectations for pupils' learning. Many pupils work hard to live up to this high standard and achieve well. They enjoy their learning and want to succeed. Nevertheless, poor attendance impedes the progress and attainment of some pupils. This is particularly the case for some disadvantaged pupils. Pupils benefit from the school's determination to expand their horizons, such as through an array of trips and visits. This includes visits to an assortment of colleges and universities, which allow them to explore different options for their futures. A wide range of clubs and activities gives pupils the opportunity to develop their talents, including in sports and the performing arts. The school ensures that every pupil, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), has the opportunity to benefit from these rich experiences.

What the school should improve

• Some teachers do not check with sufficient precision that pupils have learned all that they should. As a result, some pupils have gaps in their learning that persist over time. The school should provide suitable training for teachers so that they use formative assessment strategies effectively, to identify and address gaps in pupils' learning.
• Some pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged and those with SEND, have persistently high levels of absence. These pupils miss out on learning and the wider opportunities that the school provides. The school should ensure that it acts swiftly to identify and overcome any issues that prevent these pupils from attending regularly.
• At times, the school's evaluation of some aspects of its work is not as effective as it should be. Consequently, the school does not identify and address weaknesses in some of its processes as swiftly as it should. The school, and members of the governing body, should strengthen their evaluation systems so that any weaknesses are identified and addressed quickly.

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