Newtown High School

Overview

Since removal from special measures, Newtown High School has made beneficial improvements to teaching and support arrangements, resulting in sound progress for many pupils, including those with additional learning needs. Attendance has improved well, and most pupils behave positively, though some feel the school does not resolve issues quickly enough due to unclear communication.

Strengths

• "Many pupils, including those with additional learning needs (ALN), make sound progress in lessons."
• "Attendance, including that of pupils eligible for free school meals, has also improved well."
• "Effective teaching helps pupils to progress in their knowledge, understanding and skills."
• "Senior and middle leaders carry out many aspects of their roles enthusiastically and effectively."
• "Teacher feedback supports pupil progress."

Areas to improve

• Refine leadership responsibilities to ensure improvement work has a "consistent impact across the two campuses," particularly regarding literacy, numeracy, and Welsh skills.
• Improve communication between staff, pupils, and parents to develop "cohesion, effective collaboration and a consistent sense of community."
• Refine evaluation processes to take "full account of the impact of leadership on the outcomes of all pupils."

Safeguarding

Many pupils feel safe in school, but a few feel that the school does not deal with issues quickly or effectively enough, often because actions taken are not communicated clearly to pupils and parents.