Cannock Chase High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has a deep-seated commitment to the school community. This has been the driving force since the last inspection.

As a result, all pupils are encouraged to do their very best, aspirations have risen and outcomes are improving. Skilled senior leaders have developed a rich curriculum where every pupil can succeed. There is a strong focus on the arts and sport, and pupils are encouraged to study subjects where they have most interest.

As a result, pupils are fully engaged in their learning and behaviour is exemplary. Outcomes for pupils are good because teaching is strong. Leaders rigorously track pupils' performance so that t...imely intervention is put in place when pupils fall behind.

As a result, progress is more rapid. Disadvantaged pupils' outcomes are improving. Although diminishing, there is a difference in the performance of disadvantaged pupils in a small number of subjects.

Leaders have put plans in place to tackle this. Governors are highly effective. They hold leaders to account and ensure that leaders continue to plan rigorously for the school's future development.

Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and have high expectations of their pupils. A whole-school focus on literacy is resulting in pupils being more assured in the correct use of subject-specific vocabulary. Parents, staff and pupils are overwhelmingly supportive of school leaders and feel that the school has improved markedly since the last inspection.

The sixth form is good. Leaders are strategic and highly effective in bringing about improvements. As a result, outcomes in the sixth form are strong and improving.

In a small minority of lessons, teachers are not as skilled in the use of questioning. Leaders' commitment to professional development continues to offer an effective personalised approach to staff training. Attendance has fallen since the last inspection particularly for disadvantaged pupils.

Leaders have rightly made improving attendance a top priority and have robust action plans in place to improve attendance.

Information about this school

Cannock Chase High School is an average-sized secondary academy converter with a sixth form. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at any time during the past six years is consistently above the national average.

Almost all pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above the national average. The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is average.

The school operates an early entry policy in English and mathematics. This is regularly reviewed depending on the needs of the cohort. This does mean that published data are inaccurate.

The school shares sixth-form provision with Cardinal Griffin Catholic College. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school does not currently use alternative provision for any pupils.

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