The Prescot School

Overview

The report states that the school has increased its ambition and that pupils are generally learning more effectively than in the past. However, it notes that some pupils still have gaps in their learning from previous curriculums, and high levels of absence act as a barrier to achievement.

Strengths

• Pupils follow a "broad and ambitious curriculum," with an increasing proportion studying the English Baccalaureate suite.
• Teachers have "strong subject knowledge" and explain concepts clearly in most subjects.
• The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) effectively, allowing them to learn well alongside peers.
• Reading is a high priority, with support helping pupils who find it difficult to become "increasingly confident readers."
• Pupils value the personal, social, health and economic education curriculum and feel "well informed about their next steps."

Areas to improve

• Teachers in some subjects do not provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to apply learning in different contexts, limiting their ability to deepen knowledge.
• Some teachers do not check learning carefully enough, failing to identify and address misconceptions or gaps in knowledge.
• High levels of absence and lateness prevent pupils from making the most of the curriculum; strategies to improve attendance have not yet had the desired impact.
• Behaviour outside of lessons is variable, with some pupils not responding quickly to staff instructions during breaktimes.
• Uptake of extra-curricular activities and trips is low for some pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils.
• The school lacks sufficient oversight to determine if its improvement work is having the desired impact.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."