Students feel supported by teachers and ‘well prepared for the future’ at a school that can celebrate keeping its ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

Highcliffe School has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted after maintaining the rating in every inspection since becoming an academy in 2012.

The inspection, which took place on June 27, described teachers to be ‘knowledgeable and passionate’ about their subjects while providing a ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum.

Staff have high expectations for pupils, who are then proud of their work and achievements.

Pupils told inspectors they felt safe in the school and have an adult they can talk to if they have concerns.

“Students in the sixth form enjoy their courses.

“They feel supported by teachers who know them well.

“Students value the advice and guidance they receive about careers and further education.

“They feel well prepared for the future.”

Students are described as valuing their extra-curricular opportunities including music, debate, outdoor education, and sporting clubs.

Pupils also enjoy having leadership responsibilities such as being representatives on the school council and peer mentoring.

Inspectors praised ‘learning journeys’ which set out what pupils will learn at each key stage of subjects.

“Leaders sequence the curriculum so pupils know more, remember more and can do more over time.

“For example, in English, pupils’ study of Shakespeare and poetry builds from Year 7 through to the sixth form.

“Where the curriculum was not sequenced as well, leaders have made changes.

“This means a firm foundation of knowledge in key stage 3 now prepares pupils well for key stage 4.”

The report found that some pupils find reading challenging and that although teachers are aware of this, they do not identify the individual reasons precisely enough.

Children in years seven and eight were complimented for reading beyond the books discovered within the English curriculum, however, this was not seen to continue into the older years.

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Headteacher of Highcliffe School, Patrick Earnshaw, said: “I am very pleased with the inspection team’s evaluation of Highcliffe School.

“Their report recognises the stimulating and engaging curriculum across Year 7 to 13; alongside the high quality in teaching, pastoral care and personal development, available to students here.

"Encouragingly, the developmental points are rooted in existing areas of strength.

“They will see us build on the very successful interventions for the weakest readers already in place and on our current whole-school strategy to promote reading which, for example, sees some of the country’s most celebrated authors visiting the school to work directly with students and hundreds of books borrowed from our library every week.

“Thank you to parents for your support during the inspection, especially those who got in touch with goodwill messages.

“And a huge well done to staff and students for your superb conduct over the entire two days – you all really shone.

“I am very proud of you and Highcliffe School.”