Nower Hill High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are ambitious and confident. They enjoy studying a wide range of subjects. For example, pupils study Latin, Oracy and philosophy, religion and ethics from Year 7.

The school has set high academic expectations for what all pupils can achieve. This includes for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils thrive here, are kept safe and achieve highly across the curriculum.

Pupils display extremely positive behaviour throughout the school. They move around the building in a calm and orderly manner and are very keen to learn in lessons. Pupils value and celebrate diversity.

For example, students in the sixth form run an equality... and diversity committee and the 'Pride club' delivers assemblies. Pupils are polite and respectful to one another and to their teachers.

The curriculum extends well beyond the academic to one which encourages wider personal achievement.

There are an exceptionally wide range of extra-curricular activities available. These include astronomy, African drumming, textiles and lots of sports clubs. The school encourages pupils to develop their teamwork and social skills.

Pupils nurture their talents, for instance, through debating contests, performing in school concerts and annual school productions.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

School leaders across the school are highly ambitious for all pupils' academic and social achievement. Much thought has gone into the overall curriculum design.

The high-level curriculum thinking and sequencing permeates across the subjects, including in the sixth form.

Leaders have created an environment where staff feel respected, listened to and developed. They model integrity and strive for continued improvement.

Trustees support the school with considerable commitment and skill. Leaders regularly seek the views of parents and carers and take them into consideration.

Teachers have expert knowledge of the subjects they teach.

They are passionate and bring learning to life in the classroom. The curriculum delivery is highly effective for all pupils. Staff support pupils with SEND by providing bespoke support materials to secure their success.

They identify and support pupils' needs closely. This means that pupils with SEND achieve well. Staff in the sixth form teach very skilfully.

This prepares all students very well for their next steps, including pupils with SEND.

Teachers check pupils' understanding with precision and address any misconceptions quickly. They have created a positive learning environment where pupils are very well supported.

In sixth-form lessons, students are keen to tackle challenging topics, and they develop excellent study skills. Pupils across the school engage fully in class discussions. Staff ensure that pupils develop high levels of oracy skills.

For example, in citizenship, pupils debated the morality of laws in the country.

The teaching of reading is a high priority. There is a systematic approach to identify and give timely support to pupils who need extra help to read.

As a result, pupils quickly gain the knowledge and skills they need to become confident and fluent readers.

There are warm and friendly working relationships between teachers and pupils. Staff teach pupils expectations around positive behaviour relentlessly and expertly.

Behaviour in lessons is exemplary, making a very strong contribution to pupils' high achievements. Leaders make sure that pupils' attendance is overseen rigorously so that pupils attend regularly.

The pastoral support given to pupils is extensive and highly effective.

It helps pupils to develop their character and resilience. Promoting mental well-being is a core aspect of the school's work, and is exceptionally well supported by leaders. Pupils have a strong understanding of fundamental British values.

For example, the form-time programme covers a range of current affairs, such as global conflicts.

Pupils across the school receive a strong and coherent careers education. For example, during the 'Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics' week, pupils are taught about future careers and how to raise their aspirations.

Students in Year 13 are very well supported by a dedicated careers team. Leaders make sure that they provide extra career support, including supervised visits, for pupils with SEND.

The school ensures that all pupils, including pupils with SEND, benefit from educational visits.

Leaders have also introduced specific clubs to help the social and emotional needs of pupils, such as a daily lunchtime inclusion club and one-to-one music lessons. Students in the sixth form lead clubs through various mentoring programmes.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.