Home Latest news Kirkby High School’s “Good” Ofsted judgement

Kirkby High School’s “Good” Ofsted judgement

by Lisa Bennett

Kirkby High School has received a “Good” judgement from Ofsted in all aspects of their inspection. This includes the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management with overall effectiveness also judged to be Good.

Kirkby High School’s last Ofsted inspection was in December 2018 when it was judged as “Requires Improvement”. Significant work has been undertaken at the school over the last three years to secure the “Good” judgement.

Inspectors noted that:-

  • Pupils enjoy attending Kirkby High School, which is a calm and welcoming place for pupils to learn. Pupils have pride in their school.
  • Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and learning.
  • Pupils experience a wide range of opportunities outside of lessons that inspire and interest them. Leaders have thoughtfully redesigned the curriculum so that pupils can build on what they already know.
  • The curriculum is broad and suitably ambitious for all pupils, including pupils with SEND.
  • More recently, leaders have increased the number of pupils that are studying a modern foreign language. This is increasing the proportion of pupils who follow the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) suite of subjects. The EBacc is now at the heart of the school’s curriculum.
  • Many subject leaders have thought carefully about the knowledge that pupils should learn and in which order it should be taught. These curriculums are well organised.
  • Leaders ensure that careers guidance is well established across all years.
  • Trustees and governors hold leaders to account successfully for the quality of education in the school.
  • The arrangements for safeguarding are effective and there is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: 

“I’m delighted with this latest outcome for Kirkby High School. Everyone at the school has worked really hard to achieve this ‘Good’ judgement for the benefit for pupils, staff and the wider school community. Well done to everyone concerned.”