Moorside High School

Overview

Moorside High School is described as an “inclusive and welcoming school” where staff hold “high ambitions” for pupils. The report highlights that recent changes to the curriculum and behaviour policies are “positively impacting the whole school community,” with students demonstrating courtesy and respect.

Strengths

• Pupils are “courteous and respectful,” and the introduction of ‘Moorside manners’ has led to improved behaviour.
• The curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils,” including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with a wider range of GCSE and vocational options.
• Staff “identify pupils’ misconceptions skilfully” and use activities at the start of lessons to help pupils recall prior learning.
• The school “promptly identifies weaker readers” and provides targeted support to improve fluency, with pupils in Years 7–9 being “particularly engaged.”
• Pupils receive extensive careers guidance and learn effectively about healthy relationships, online safety, and consent.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must “systematically check learning in their lessons” to identify gaps in knowledge and provide timely help, as they do not always do this well enough.
• The school should improve communication with stakeholders when introducing changes, as some parents are not fully supportive and cannot support their children to meet expectations.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.