The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 December 2023

This is a school where expectations of what pupils can achieve are high. Most pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), thrive on this challenge. They attend school well, enjoy learning and are successful in their academic studies. Pupils' interactions with their peers and with staff are positive and productive. They get on well together and enjoy each other's company. Pupils respond well to praise and enjoy being rewarded with positive praise points for their work. Learning in lessons is rarely delayed by distractions, although pupils occasionally lack focus. When pupils struggle to behave as they should, they say staff respond fairly and consistently. Pupils benefit from a rich educational experience. They take part in an extensive range of diverse activities, including a wide variety of trips and visits, extra-curricular clubs and house competitions. Pupils take on leadership roles, for instance as subject ambassadors, mentors, 'youth stars' or form captains. This wealth of opportunities builds pupils' confidence, develops their character and broadens their horizons. Most parents are very positive about their children's experiences at the school. As one parent typically explained, 'I appreciate how staff are interested in the children, their progress and their hopes for the future.'

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is well planned and implemented in many subjects. However, there are some inconsistencies. In a few subjects, not enough thought has been given to exactly what pupils need to learn. There are also some variations in how effectively the curriculum is delivered, both within and across subjects. These differences in intent and implementation mean that pupils cannot always recall key subject knowledge as well as they should. The school needs to ensure that the curriculum is planned carefully and taught consistently in every subject.
• Many staff are supportive of the changes needed to improve the school. However, a minority of staff do not think that the school has given sufficient consideration to the impact of these changes on their workload or well-being. These staff do not feel well motivated or supported in their roles. The school must ensure that any changes necessary to improve the school are communicated effectively so that all staff understand why these changes are needed and feel supported when implementing them.
• Changes to the school's governance arrangements mean that some governors have taken on new roles very recently. These governors are still learning about their responsibilities to oversee key aspects of the school. Those responsible for governance need to make sure that they have the knowledge and skills they need to carry out their roles, so that they can provide leaders with the necessary support and appropriate challenge.

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