Woolmer Hill School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 January 2023

Leaders' vision for the curriculum is ambitious. They want pupils to develop a genuine interest in their subjects, as well as gaining the qualifications they need. This mission to inspire is shared by teachers across the school. Pupils study a broad and well-sequenced curriculum, and most are very successful in public examinations. Extra-curricular opportunities are wide-ranging. Consequently, pupils can explore different interests, develop talents and prepare meaningfully for their next steps. Leaders ensure that these opportunities are inclusive. There is a happy atmosphere in this school. Staff know pupils well and care about them. Relationships are overwhelmingly positive. The values of 'proud to belong, proud to achieve' are reflected in pupils' behaviour generally and in how they approach their work. Bullying is rare but staff deal with it swiftly and effectively if needed. Pupils feel safe in school. They feel supported and listened to by staff. They would happily go to staff with any worries. The majority of parents are very positive about the school. They feel their children are flourishing. One parent described the school as having 'a family approach', a view mirrored by staff and pupils during the inspection.

What the school should improve

• The attendance of some pupils is too low. Many of these pupils are from disadvantaged backgrounds or are pupils with SEND. As a result, they do not achieve as well as they could and do not benefit from the school's wider provision. The trust and school have already identified this as a focus area to improve. In the context of a growing school, and challenging national circumstances, leaders should continue their work to embed fully new approaches to improving attendance and inclusion.

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