The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough

Overview

The inspection judged the school to be ‘Good’ across all categories, noting that ‘a considerable amount of work has taken place since the previous inspection’. Leaders have acted quickly on key priorities, resulting in a school where ‘expectations of what pupils can achieve are high’ and most pupils ‘thrive on this challenge’.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and provides a ‘well-rounded experience’ that prepares pupils well for their next steps, including a broad range of subjects at key stage 3 and the English Baccalaureate at key stage 4.
• Pupils benefit from a ‘rich educational experience’ with diverse activities, trips, and leadership roles that ‘build pupils’ confidence, develop their character and broaden their horizons’.
• Most teachers make ‘good use of their specialist knowledge’, choosing appropriate methods to teach new ideas and helping pupils, particularly in the sixth form, to ‘learn independently’.
• The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved, with many benefiting from a ‘personalised approach’ and better communication with parents.
• Attendance has improved significantly due to the school’s ‘tenacious approach’, with most pupils attending school very well.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure the curriculum is ‘planned carefully and taught consistently in every subject’, as inconsistencies in some areas mean pupils cannot always recall key knowledge.
• Leaders must ensure changes are communicated effectively so that all staff ‘understand why these changes are needed and feel supported’, addressing concerns from a minority regarding workload and well-being.
• Governors need to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to ‘provide leaders with the necessary support and appropriate challenge’, particularly those who have recently taken on new roles.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.