Weaverham High School

Overview

Weaverham High School is described as an “ambitious and inclusive” institution where pupils feel “safe and respected” and benefit from “high-quality pastoral support.” The report highlights a strong commitment to inclusion and personal development, with leaders fostering an “ethic of excellence” that prepares pupils well for life after school. While most aspects of the school meet the expected standard, specific areas regarding teaching consistency and attendance for disadvantaged pupils require further attention.

Strengths

• Inclusion is a “strong standard,” with staff using “carefully planned personalised approaches” to reduce barriers to learning for all pupils.
• Personal development is rated at a “strong standard,” featuring a “life curriculum” that equips pupils with knowledge of healthy relationships, consent, and online risks.
• Pupils behave very well, conforming to expectations of being “safe, ready and respectful,” with low-level disruption being “very rare.”
• The careers programme is described as the “lifeblood of the school,” ensuring pupils are “very well prepared for life after Weaverham.”
• Safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture” where concerns are “actively identified, acted upon and managed.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders must further develop how teachers check pupils’ understanding during lessons to better adapt teaching for those with low prior attainment.
• Recent improvements in attendance management should be embedded to further increase attendance for disadvantaged pupils.
• Professional learning for staff should continue to improve to ensure the curriculum is “consistently taught well.”

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding standards are met, noting that leaders have established an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and that “pupils are made safer and feel safe.”