Great Sankey High School

Overview

Great Sankey High School continues to be a good school, where pupils feel safe, happy, and valued within a respectful and caring environment. Leaders have successfully transformed the school culture by raising expectations for behaviour and implementing a well-thought-out curriculum that supports high achievement for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Strengths

• Relationships between pupils and staff are "respectful and caring," with bullying not tolerated and dealt with effectively.
• The curriculum is "ambitious" and "well-organised," helping pupils build a "rich body of subject knowledge" through clear explanations and consistent teaching.
• Reading is placed at the "core of all learning," with skilled staff quickly identifying and supporting pupils who are behind to ensure they can access the wider curriculum.
• Staff feel "well supported by leaders" regarding workload and well-being, while governors provide "clear, strategic oversight" and challenge leaders effectively.
• Pupils benefit from diverse experiences, including trips, residential courses, and leadership opportunities, fostering a strong "community spirit."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure teachers use assessment information effectively to "quickly identify and address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge," as some misconceptions are not identified swiftly enough.
• Leaders should ensure staff implement behaviour strategies equally well outside of lessons to support the small minority of pupils who do not meet high expectations during social times.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and reporting concerns diligently to secure timely support for pupils at risk.