West Hatch High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 November 2023

This is a large school, which achieves its aim of feeling like a family. Pupils are happy and safe. They say their school is a tolerant and inclusive community. Pupils know that the school expects them to work hard, and they do. Teachers use engaging approaches in lessons, which pupils enjoy. This contributes towards their hard work and their regular and prompt attendance. Pupils treat others with respect and care. They move around the site very calmly. Pupils know that if they do not get things right, teachers will deal with it quickly and fairly. Sixth- form students are excellent role models for other pupils. Pupils love the range of activities on offer. These extend their passions and kindle new interests. They can learn performance skills for school productions, or how to provide technical support for them. Many pupils take part in school clubs. Pupils enjoy school trips focused on important world issues. These include studying conflict at the Imperial War Museum and threats to the environment on the Essex coast.

What the school should improve

• On some occasions, teachers do not place enough emphasis in lessons on ensuring that pupils remember new content as well as they should. As a result, these pupils are not as well prepared as they could be for the next learning in the curriculum. The school needs to ensure that all staff are sufficiently supported and trained in pedagogical approaches that encourage pupils to commit what they have studied to their long-term memory.
• In a small number of lessons, teachers do not check what pupils know and understand as rigorously as they should. As a result, these teachers do not identify where pupils develop gaps in their learning. The school needs to train all staff to assess the learning of the pupils in their classes systematically so they can provide the support necessary for these pupils to catch up quickly.

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