Church Hill Middle School

Overview

Church Hill Middle School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "warm and friendly" environment where pupils feel "happy and safe." The report highlights strong relationships between staff and pupils, an "ambitious and carefully sequenced" curriculum, and effective support for personal development.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from "high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct" and an "engaging and purposeful learning atmosphere."
• The curriculum is strengthened by subject specialists, ensuring "no learning opportunity is lost" as pupils progress.
• Reading is a clear priority, with a "well-resourced and welcoming library" helping pupils "deepen their love of reading."
• Pupils are encouraged to take up "leadership opportunities" and contribute actively to the school community.
• Staff workload is "well considered," and staff reflect positively on recent improvements in this area.

Areas to improve

• The school should ensure assessment is used effectively, as variability in feedback means pupils do not always "deepen their understanding."
• Attendance is not high enough, with too many pupils being "persistently or severely absent," causing them to miss valuable curriculum time.
• The school must improve the "accurate identification of pupils’ needs" and ensure this information is communicated robustly to parents of pupils with SEND.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.