Hodge Hill College

Overview

Hodge Hill College is described as a school where "all pupils are welcome" and leaders have reorganised the curriculum to "raise ambition for all pupils." The report highlights that pupils "typically achieve well" despite historic learning gaps, and the school fosters a "calm, orderly and respectful environment" through clear expectations and consistent behaviour management.

Strengths

• Pupils "typically achieve well in most of the qualifications," with particular pride taken in arts GCSEs and strong performance by disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Attendance is good, with leaders securing a "consistent approach between year groups" so that "overall attendance rates continue to increase."
• Behaviour is positive, creating a "calm, orderly and respectful environment" where "low-level disruption in lessons is rare."
• Teachers demonstrate "secure subject knowledge" and use 'golden threads' to ensure key learning builds effectively on prior knowledge.
• Leaders provide an "extensive and effective professional learning programme" and remain mindful of staff workload and wellbeing.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should apply a "consistent approach to support vulnerable pupils, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities," as identification of needs is sometimes imprecise.
• Leaders should work with staff to "strengthen how they adapt their teaching based on how secure pupils are in their learning," as adaptations are sometimes not precise enough.
• Leaders should refine how they evaluate their areas of responsibility to ensure work has a "clearer impact on pupils' achievement."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."