Carleton High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have significantly improved the school since the previous inspection.

Accountability for improving pupil achievement is a golden thread that runs through the work of the school. Leaders have a good handle on what is working well. They have created succinct and highly relevant priorities for further improving the school.

These are frequently reviewed, and appropriate adjustments are made. The trust has been instrumental in driving these improvements at a dizzying pace. Sensible decisions have been taken to improve the school's leadership, behaviour, teaching and curriculum.

Local governors provide good levels of challenge ...and support. They ask relevant and appropriate questions and have a good grasp of their strategic role. The quality of teaching and learning has significantly improved.

Through effective training, support and advice, teachers are more skilled and adept at teaching and helping pupils learn. Pupils' progress over the previous two years has been disappointing. Most groups of pupils are now making stronger progress.

More pupils are following the English Baccalaureate. All pupils in Year 8 have taken either history or geography as one of their options. Dedicated time is put aside to encourage pupils to drop everything and read.

For many, this is helping them enjoy the pleasures of reading. Behaviour is a real strength of the school now. There has been a step-change in the way pupils behave.

Behaviour routines are well embedded and conducive to learning throughout the school. Pupils feel safe in school. Pupils' attendance is improving.

Overall figures are now better than the national average. The attendance of some groups of pupils still needs to improve further. Through an effective and comprehensive careers programme, pupils are well informed about the next steps in their education, employment or training.

Information about this school

Carleton High School is a smaller than average-sized secondary school. Since the previous inspection there have been a number of significant staffing changes including a new head of school. Almost all pupils are from White British backgrounds.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is average. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for support through the pupil premium is above the national average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Pupil mobility is below the national average. The school uses two alternative providers for a small group of pupils, the UCAN centre and Action 2 Change. The school is part of the Pontefract Academies Trust.

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