Hall Mead School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are exceptionally proud to be part of the Hall Mead community. They are safe here, and show respect to all.

This includes welcoming others and celebrating a range of diverse backgrounds. Pupils know that all staff will respond swiftly and effectively to any concerns. Older pupils are excellent role models for their peers.

For example, they volunteer to support Year 7 pupils with their reading and arrange an afternoon tea for older members of the local community. Prefects support events and act as ambassadors for the school.

All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), follow a broad and highly ambitious curricu...lum.

They enjoy their lessons and show consistently positive attitudes to their learning. Staff know their pupils well and provide multiple opportunities for them to revisit their prior learning. As a result, pupils achieve well and are well prepared for the next stage of their learning.

A 'freshers fair' encourages all pupils to take part in a rich range of activities throughout their time at the school. These are well matched to the school values and include a highly popular group celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. A range of local visits and visitors to the school enhance the broad curriculum, such as a survivor of the Holocaust sharing their story.

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

The curriculum is highly ambitious. It aligns with, and frequently exceeds, what is expected nationally. In each subject, leaders have carefully identified the important knowledge that pupils need to learn and remember.

Effective sequencing ensures pupils build on their understanding to tackle more complex ideas. For example, in history, pupils develop their knowledge of power when looking at the relationship between the Medieval Church and King. They explore this concept in more depth when analysing the British Empire and, later, how dictatorships were formed.

Teachers benefit from a range of subject-specific training, including all being part of a relevant subject association. As a result, they are experts in their subject and present information clearly. They routinely check pupils' understanding and are well placed to address any misconceptions.

Pupils produce high-quality work in a broad range of subjects.

Pupils with SEND thrive and are included in all aspects of school life. Dedicated and well-trained staff swiftly identify any needs.

This ensures appropriate support is immediately put in place. Effective personalised provision allows all pupils with SEND to follow a broad curriculum, in line with their peers. Support is reviewed regularly, and parents and carers play a key role in this.

Leaders prioritise supporting all pupils to read widely. For example, pupils read routinely in form time and spend time in the school library. All staff are trained to be teachers of reading.

Pupils needing additional help with their reading benefit from extra support, including in phonics. As a result, these pupils swiftly develop their accuracy, fluency and confidence.

The school has exceptionally high expectations of pupils' behaviour.

Pupils have a clear understanding of the 'discipline with dignity' approach, which fosters strong relationships with staff. Pupils are calm and orderly both in and outside of the classroom. They encourage each other to self-regulate and take pleasure in other pupils' achievements.

Leaders intervene swiftly in the rare instances when pupils need support to meet leaders' high expectations, including around attendance.

Subject specialists deliver a well-sequenced personal, social, health and economic education curriculum. Pupils learn about important issues such as the dangers associated with drugs, alcohol and smoking.

A programme of external speakers encourages pupils to stay safe, for example giving a recent assembly on knife crime. Leaders provide extensive resources to support positive mental health, including psychotherapy, emotional literacy support and mentoring. All pupils, including those with SEND, are well prepared for their next stage of education, employment or training.

An extensive careers programme offers work experience and links with a vast range of both employers and education providers.

Staff are proud to work at this school. They know that leaders have taken multiple steps to help manage workload and to enhance staff's well-being.

Highly knowledgeable governors and trustees match the exceptionally high expectations that leaders have for all pupils. The trust ensures that staff at all levels benefit from various opportunities for professional development.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.