Castlederg High School

Overview

The inspection was significantly constrained by industrial action, as teachers refused to cooperate with the Education and Training Inspectorate. Consequently, the report states the ETI is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the pupils.” Evaluations of teaching, learning, and overall effectiveness were largely incomplete, though some data on leadership and outcomes were available.

Strengths

• Questionnaire responses from pupils, parents, and staff were “very positive,” indicating the school is “inclusive and welcoming.”
• Pupils achieve “high outcomes in public examinations” at GCSE and GCE levels, with many results “in line with or above” Northern Ireland averages.
• Pupils described themselves as “friendly, mature and reflective,” demonstrating respect and engaging in leadership roles such as the student council.
• Governors are “well-informed” and provide “support and challenge,” with confidence expressed in the aspects of governance evaluated.
• The careers programme is comprehensive, including work experience and targeted guidance to help pupils make “informed subject and potential career choices.”

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure statutory curriculum elements at Key Stage 4 are mapped to confirm they are being addressed.
• Action plans require “clear baselines, and concise, measurable targets” to enable effective monitoring of improvement.
• Health and safety issues, including doors lacking vision panels and open access to buildings, need mitigating action and risk assessments.

Safeguarding

The report notes that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education” and pupils feel safe, though the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully the outworking of the arrangements” due to the industrial action.