St Hild's Church of England School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 March 2024

The staff at St Hild's want the best for the pupils, families and the community. The school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Most pupils meet these expectations. This contributes to the purposeful atmosphere in the school. Well-structured lessons, which focus on learning more about the subject, are the norm. Leaders continually review the curriculum. More recently changes have been made to school systems, processes and staffing, in order to improve on the weak external examination outcomes of summer 2023. Published outcomes in 2023 did not meet the schools' aspirations for pupils' achievement. The school supports pupils to understand how to become strong scholars. Pupils' study habits are improving. Staff and pupils understand the school's routines for learning in lessons. Knowing what to expect in lessons, and individuals' roles in lessons, helps both staff and pupils create a positive climate for learning. Pupils are safe in school. Staff listen to pupils. They support pupils well when they have worries and concerns. Adults' praise and recognition of pupils' positive work and attitudes are a focus in lessons. Leaders have implemented a range of strategies alongside a whole-trust attendance policy. Pupils' attendance is improving. Staff recognise excellence in lessons and nominate pupils to receive a 'Headteacher Excellence Award' each week.

What the school should improve

• The school has undertaken extensive curriculum improvements. The impact of these changes is at an early stage. The school must ensure that subject leaders are supported to embed these positive changes and that this work is monitored and evaluated, in order to support all pupils to achieve ambitious outcomes that match leaders' high expectations.
• The school has struggled to recruit specialist teachers in some subjects. Some staff do not have the subject specific knowledge that is needed to implement the school's curriculum well. Pupils do not always make the progress they are capable of in these areas. The school should continue to support teachers to gain the specialist knowledge that is needed to teach the school's curriculum consistently well in all subjects.

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