Northern Counties School

Overview

The report states that pupils’ educational experiences have been “transformed” since the previous inspection, with leaders having “considerably raised the ambition and expectations” for pupils with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school is judged as “Good” overall, with “Outstanding” ratings for behaviour and attitudes and personal development. Inspectors concluded that the school “no longer requires special measures.”

Strengths

• Pupils behave “exceptionally well” and maintain “positive attitudes to their education,” supported by “obvious warmth and trust” in staff relationships.
• Leaders have designed an “ambitious pathway curriculum” tailored to individual needs, including adapted versions for deaf or blind pupils.
• Reading and phonics are prioritised, with all pupils accessing a “specialised phonics programme” and staff modelling strategies effectively.
• Personal development is “exceptional,” featuring theatre visits, British Sign Language groups, and robust preparation for adulthood and careers.
• Staff feel “trusted as professionals” and receive ongoing training, while governors and trustees actively quality-assure the school’s work.

Areas to improve

• Some teachers do not “clearly present information and check pupils’ understanding as well as they should,” leading to variability in curriculum delivery.
• The school should ensure “all teaching is of a consistently high quality across all curriculum areas.”

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”