Harrytown Catholic High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have taken action to secure significant improvement since the last inspection. Pupils' progress has improved rapidly across a range of subjects as a result.

Leaders have strengthened middle leadership through the appointments they have made and by providing training. Middle leaders are keen to bring about improvement in their areas. Changes to the governing body have widened the range of skills that governors bring to the role.

Governors have an accurate view of the school. They challenge leaders effectively. The quality of teaching has improved.

Leaders have put in place training to ensure that teaching effectively meets... pupils' needs. Progress in mathematics has not improved. This is because some pupils are not challenged.

There are not enough opportunities for them to practise mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Disadvantaged pupils' progress is improving rapidly. However, there are still differences between the progress of these pupils and that of other pupils nationally.

The progress of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has increased steadily since the last inspection. These pupils make good progress. The curriculum is broad and balanced.

There are a number of high-quality extra-curricular activities to broaden pupils' experiences and knowledge. Pupils' literacy skills are strong. They write with accuracy and fluency.

They are encouraged to read widely, both in school and at home. The provision for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is effective. Pupils learn to be tolerant and respectful towards other people.

They are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils typically behave well in school. They have positive attitudes to learning.

They are kept safe and feel safe while at school. The proportion of pupils who are excluded from school for a fixed period remains high. This is particularly true for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND.

Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND do not attend school as regularly as their peers, although their attendance is improving. The quality of careers advice and guidance that pupils receive is good. Most pupils move into education, employment or training.

Information about this school

Harrytown Catholic High School is smaller than the average-sized mixed comprehensive 11 to 16 secondary school. The proportion of pupils that are eligible for free school meals is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is lower than the national average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND and the proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan are both higher than the national averages. In key stage 4, a small number of pupils attend alternative provision at The Pendlebury Centre and Broadstones School. The school is governed by a local governing body.