Henley Bank High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Henley Bank is an inclusive school that adopts the motto 'We are all on the same mountain, just a different journey to the top'. Pupils are taught to celebrate difference and live out the school values, which include ambition and respect. Pupils belong to a college system.

This develops their sense of community and belonging. Pupils also enjoy the competitive side of being in different colleges.

Pupils study an exciting range of subjects on their learning journey.

There are a growing number of courses to choose from as they move into Year 10. Pupils appreciate the advice that staff provide to support them with their next steps.

Staff are supportive o...f pupils' well-being.

One example is how the school have created the role of pupil mental health ambassadors. They are having a positive impact on how other pupils feel. Pupils can attend clubs, such as golf and Pride, and become green influencers.

Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils benefit from disruption- free learning. They value this positive learning environment.

There are respectful relationships between staff and pupils. Bullying is rare. If incidents occur, leaders take swift and effective action.

Therefore, pupils feel safe in school.

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

Leaders have designed a curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Across subjects, the knowledge that pupils need to learn, and the order in which to teach it, has been carefully considered.

Teachers check what pupils know regularly and use this to inform future learning.

Pupils with SEND have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. They work in partnership with staff to ensure their needs are met.

For example, they are involved in writing the plans that teachers use to support them. Leaders ensure that pupils with specific needs have a calm and focused start to every school day through the 'Positive Start' programme.

Leaders are working to increase the proportion of pupils who choose subjects that make up the English Baccalaureate.

In particular, they are ambitious to grow the number of pupils studying a modern foreign language at GCSE. Early signs show that the popularity for this subject is increasing.

Reading is an important part of the curriculum at Henley Bank.

Pupils read a range of challenging and diverse texts. They also have regular opportunities to read for pleasure. However, leaders do not have a sharp enough focus on ensuring that pupils at the early stages of reading receive sufficient support to catch up.

The teaching of phonics is not frequent or detailed enough to identify specific knowledge gaps and remedy them.

Pupils move around the site in a calm and orderly way. There are clear routines and systems in place to support behaviour.

Pupils respond well to these firm boundaries. In lessons, they display a positive attitude towards their learning. Low-level disruption is rare.

The personal development curriculum teaches pupils about a range of important themes, including British Values, healthy relationships, and staying safe when online. Pupils say they find these lessons helpful. They enjoy the chance to discuss their views on the different topics studied.

Pupils learn about different cultures and beliefs. There are a range of extra-curricular clubs available for pupils to attend, but a significant number of pupils, particularly pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, currently choose not to participate in these regularly.

There is a well-planned careers programme which provides pupils with information to support their next steps.

The school meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, which requires schools to provide pupils in Years 8 to 13 with information about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships.

Staff are proud to work at this school. They say they are well supported by leaders.

Early career teachers describe being welcomed into the community. Those responsible for governance support the school and provide challenge to leaders. They are understanding of staff wellbeing and consider this when making any changes.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders ensure that staff, including governors, receive regular and appropriate safeguarding training. Staff are vigilant in recording and reporting any concerns.

There is a robust process for safer recruitment.

Leaders form positive relationships with families and external agencies. The school acts quickly to secure the help that pupils need.

The school has suitable policies in place to raise awareness among staff and parents about the dangers of sexual harassment, online sexual abuse and sexual violence. Pupils are aware of safeguarding risks. They feel safe and have a trusted adult they can report any concerns to.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Pupils who are at the early stages of reading do not benefit from an effective phonics curriculum. Consequently, some pupils who struggle to read do not receive the precise support they need to catch up quickly. Leaders must ensure that there is high-quality teaching of phonics, so pupils benefit from the support they need to help them learn to read well.

• The proportion of pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils who participate in extra-curricular activities is lower than their peers. As a result, some pupils are not broadening their school experience beyond learning in the classroom. Leaders should ensure that a greater number of such pupils take up the opportunities provided to participate in enrichment activities beyond the curriculum.