Ashley High School

Overview

Ashley High School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school provides a calm, orderly environment where staff are “exceptionally encouraging and supportive” of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils make strong progress and are well prepared for adulthood through a broad curriculum and extensive personal development opportunities.

Strengths

• Staff maintain “exceptional expectations for pupils’ achievement,” focusing on independence and adulthood preparation.
• The school offers an “exceptionally strong personal development offer,” including effective careers guidance and work experience.
• Pupils engage well in lessons, which proceed “without any interruptions,” and respond positively to high behavioural expectations.
• The school quickly identifies additional needs and works with specialist agencies to support pupils effectively.
• Governors and senior leaders have a thorough understanding of the school’s strengths and current curriculum development.

Areas to improve

• A few curriculum leaders have not had enough opportunity to develop their skills to oversee their areas of responsibility well, restricting their ability to identify where further refinements might be needed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.