Markethill High School

Overview

Markethill High School continues to demonstrate a "high level of capacity for sustained improvement" following a previous evaluation of "very good" effectiveness. The inspection confirmed that the school is capable of effecting improvement through self-evaluation and effective development planning, with particular success in raising standards at Key Stage 4.

Strengths

• Lessons observed were "highly effective in promoting the pupils’ learning," driven by a "research-informed approach to classroom practice."
• Staff have worked "collegially and assiduously" under "highly strategic leadership" to improve the quality of learning and teaching.
• Pupils’ outcomes at Key Stage 4 have "risen steadily," with the proportion achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C now "significantly above the average for similar schools."
• The school successfully narrowed the gender gap at GCSE level through a "focus on meeting better the needs of boys."
• The "fusion of the school’s pastoral and academic work" and the "highly effective analysis and use of data" contributed to improved standards.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

Arrangements for safeguarding "continue to reflect the guidance issued by the relevant Departments," and pupils reported that they feel "very safe, happy and secure in school."