Westwood High

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 October 2023

Pupils at Westwood High have a thirst for learning. They cherish the diverse experiences that the school provides for them. Pupils said that there are trusted adults in school with whom they can share any worries. Pupils enjoy attending school and they said that they feel safe and happy. They take responsibility, respect others and are tolerant of the differences between people. This respectful culture permeates the school. Consequently, pupils leave the school well prepared for life in modern Britain. The school has high aspirations for all pupils. Pupils rise easily to meet these expectations. They achieve well. Pupils develop the resilience and self-belief that they need to learn with success. As a result, pupils are ready for the next stage in their education, employment or training. Pupils behave well. They are kind and considerate. Pupils know that it is important to help others. For example, they are keen to organise charitable projects in the community. Older pupils act as role models for younger pupils. They relish the leadership opportunities that the school provides. As a result, pupils learn to be responsible and active citizens. The school ensures that pupils develop their confidence and independence, for example through appropriate residential visits and a variety of extra-curricular activities. In addition to this, there are a range of well-considered opportunities for pupils to learn about the wider world. These are threaded carefully through the curriculum.

What the school should improve

• The school has not ensured that the staff involved in the teaching of early reading are equipped sufficiently well to deliver the phonics programme with confidence. This means that some pupils do not learn to read as quickly and as fluently as they could. The school should ensure that staff are furnished with the knowledge and skills that they need to implement the phonics programme effectively.
• In some subjects, the curriculum is less well developed. Where this is the case, it is less clear what pupils need to learn and when. As a result, some pupils find it more difficult to remember their prior learning. The school should ensure that staff are clear about the most useful knowledge that pupils require for subsequent learning.

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