Millom School

Overview

Millom School is described as a place where most pupils and sixth-form students enjoy attending and feel well supported by staff who know them well. Leaders have successfully addressed previous weaknesses by designing a "broad and ambitious curriculum" that prepares learners effectively for their next steps in education or work. The school demonstrates strong leadership, with staff generally feeling supported, though some adjustments are needed regarding behaviour management and specific support systems.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "coherently planned," helping pupils build knowledge over time and achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Teachers possess "detailed knowledge of their subjects" and use assessment strategies effectively to check learning and address misconceptions.
• Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," with staff trained to identify risks and leaders acting swiftly on concerns in close partnership with other agencies.
• Pupils benefit from opportunities to develop independence and trust through visits, such as trips to Wales and Austria, and learn about healthy relationships and respect.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must improve systems to share information about the needs of some pupils with SEND, as current gaps hinder teachers from providing the best possible support.
• Reading interventions for pupils in the early stages of learning to read are not yet effective enough; leaders need to ensure these help pupils "catch up quickly."
• Leaders should ensure teachers are supported to manage pupils’ behaviour "consistently well," addressing concerns that some negative behaviour is not dealt with effectively.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff are appropriately trained, concerns are reported and acted upon swiftly, and pupils learn how to keep themselves safe.