Scissett Middle School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 February 2025

Pupils at Scissett Middle School are happy in their school. They are part of a friendly and welcoming community. Pupils value their positive relationships with one another and staff. The school creates a supportive environment where pupils develop the confidence to do well. The school sets high expectations for what pupils should achieve. The majority of pupils achieve well. The school's systems and high expectations for behaviour mean that pupils' conduct is excellent in lessons and during social times. As a result, the school is calm and orderly, and this allows pupils to concentrate on their learning. Pupils are taught how to keep safe in the community. Year 6 pupils settle in quickly. There are many supportive spaces where they can make friends. Pupils feel safe and listened to. Pupils value the many opportunities to develop their interests, such as participating in clubs like 'Book and Biscuit' and 'Big Think Club'. They also go on exciting trips that broaden their horizons, for example trips abroad or watching the Sheffield Steelers ice hockey team play. An exceptional number of pupils involve themselves in a large pupil leadership programme. As a result, pupils make an active contribution to shaping the school. For example, reading ambassadors have recently assisted in the design and layout of the school library.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, some of the school's methods for checking pupils' learning are not used as effectively as they could be to help pupils consolidate their knowledge and reinforce learning. As a result, some pupils struggle to understand new concepts fully and to develop secure understanding over time. The school should ensure that information from these checks is used effectively to identify and address gaps in pupils' learning before introducing new topics and concepts.
• The school has not ensured that staff have a precise enough understanding of how they should support disadvantaged pupils. As a result, some disadvantaged pupils do not achieve as well as their peers. Their levels of absence are higher than those of other pupils in the school. The school should ensure that all staff have the knowledge and skills to fulfil their roles and responsibilities in securing the best outcomes for these pupils.

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