Houlton School

Overview

Houlton School is described as "aspirational for all its pupils," with a broad curriculum and effective safeguarding arrangements. While most pupils behave well and learn effectively, the report highlights inconsistencies in teaching quality and notes that the school’s inclusive culture has not yet been fully achieved.

Strengths

• The school offers a "broad and wide-ranging curriculum," including two modern foreign languages and a creative "co-curriculum" with activities like dance and ultimate Frisbee.
• Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are expected to learn the "same ambitious curriculum as their peers," with staff sharing detailed support information.
• Leaders take "effective steps" to monitor attendance and support pupils who are struggling to attend regularly.
• Personal development is strong, with pupils learning about pertinent issues in personal, social and health education and engaging in careers education.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure all teachers deliver the curriculum well, as some are "not alert to the misconceptions and errors pupils make," which hinders learning.
• Leaders need to create a culture that "fully matches its ambition and vision," ensuring all pupils and parents understand the school’s ethos and feel their concerns are addressed.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."