Highlands School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. This is a high performing school where students make rapid progress and reach high standards across a broad range of subjects, including English and mathematics.

Students' high levels of achievement continue into the sixth form, with high standards attained in a range of subjects. Teaching is of a consistently high quality. Teachers have high expectations of their students.

They use their enthusiasm and excellent subject knowledge to inspire students so that they can make rapid progress. Students attend well and are keen to learn and do their best. They are proud of their school.

Students' behaviour is excellent and stud...ents feel safe at school. Students cooperate and take an active part in lessons which greatly benefits their learning. The school offers an excellent range of additional activities and educational visits.

The sixth form is outstanding. Students are thoroughly prepared to progress to higher education or employment. The outstanding leadership of the headteacher and other senior leaders ensures that teaching is of consistently high quality.

The leadership of subjects is very strong. Subject leaders contribute significantly to improvement and to ensuring that the highest standards are maintained. Governors know the school exceptionally well and provide effective challenge and support for the school.

They are committed to its continued improvement. The well-planned curriculum enables students not only to develop academically but also to develop their creativity and confidence as they grow into mature individuals. The school works hard to recognise the achievement of staff and students so that all members of the school community feel valued.

Information about this school

Highlands School is larger than the average secondary school. There are slightly more girls than boys at the school. Approximately half of the students come from a wide range of minority ethnic groups; almost all of these students speak English as their first language.

One in six students benefits from the pupil premium, which is below the national average. The pupil premium is additional funding provided for students who are known to be eligible for free school meals, children looked after by the local authority and those with a parent serving in the armed forces. The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported through school action is below average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average. A specially-resourced provision supports eight hearing-impaired students who learn alongside other students in the main school. Additional support for these students is provided in small groups by specialist staff.

Fewer than one in ten students receive catch-up support in Year 7 to improve their reading and mathematics to the standard expected at the end of primary school. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress. Small numbers of students are taught away from the school at Enfield College and Capel Manor College.

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