The Heights Burnley

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 February 2024

Pupils quickly settle into this school. They forge strong relationships with staff. This builds a strong sense of community. Pupils appreciate the care that is shown to them by staff. Generally, pupils feel comfortable to ask for help when they need it. They are happy to attend this school. Many pupils told inspectors that the best thing about the school is the staff. The school's 'PRIDE' values exemplify the high expectations that it has for pupils. It has designed an ambitious curriculum because it believes that pupils can succeed. The school understands each pupil's needs and provides appropriate support. This helps pupils to achieve well. Many pupils successfully reintegrate back into mainstream schools. Typically, there is a calm atmosphere in the school. Pupils behave well in lessons. They respond positively to the school's routines. Most pupils are supported successfully to engage in their learning. On occasion, when pupils do not behave as the school expects, staff expertly de-escalate situations so that learning is hardly ever disrupted. Pupils benefit from a range of physical activities, such as boxing sessions and indoor climbing. They represent the school in sporting tournaments. Visits by local employers inspire pupils' future career choices. Pupils also enjoy attending an array of clubs, such as podcasting club.

What the school should improve

• Some teachers do not have the subject knowledge that they need to deliver the curriculum in some subjects as intended. This means that they sometimes design learning activities that do not help pupils to know and remember more. The school should ensure that staff are supported to develop subject and pedagogical knowledge to deliver the intended curriculums successfully.
• In a small number of subjects, teachers do not use assessment strategies effectively to check what pupils know. They are not always aware of when pupils have not understood their learning. The school should ensure that teachers systematically check whether pupils have learned the curriculum and use these checks to design future learning.

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