North Cestrian School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The trust and the local governing body work effectively with leaders to drive improvement across the school. The quality of teaching and learning is good and improving because of the appropriate, targeted training provided by leaders. The published outcomes for GCSE examinations are improving and pupils' attainment in 2018 was above the national average.

However, the legacy of previous weaker teaching means that some older groups of pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils and the most able pupils, have not made as much progress as might have been expected. Leaders have provided detailed information to help teachers to meet the specific needs of ...pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As a result, these pupils are progressing well from their starting points.

Leaders have provided time for pupils to learn from their mistakes and correct their work to make it better. However, some pupils find this difficult without help and support. At times, teachers do not help pupils to improve their basic literacy skills.

Pupils often repeat punctuation, spelling and grammar errors. Leaders have developed an effective programme to support pupils' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. Pupils become respectful citizens who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Pupils' behaviour is good and they display positive attitudes to learning. The curriculum is broad and well balanced. It is planned carefully to help pupils systematically build their knowledge.

Leaders have dedicated a considerable amount of time to pupils' personal development. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy. They also consider broader issues such as equality, although their learning here can sometimes be superficial.

There is a strong culture of safeguarding across the school. All staff work towards creating a safe and caring environment for all the pupils. Attendance has improved steadily since the school became part of the trust.

Attendance is now in line with historic national averages for all groups of pupils. The proportion of pupils who do not attend school regularly is reducing rapidly for all groups of pupils.

Information about this school

North Cestrian School is a smaller than the average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of pupils that are eligible for free school meals is much lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is in line with the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is well above the national average.

The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is in line with the national average. The proportion of girls in the school is in lower than the national average. In key stage 4, a small number of pupils attend alternative provision at Trafford Medical Education Services, Ed Start Manchester and Gorse Hill Studios.

The school is a member of the Hamblin Trust. The trustees are responsible for the core governance functions of setting the school's direction, holding the headteacher to account and ensuring financial probity. The scheme of delegation sets out clearly which powers have been delegated to the local governing body and executive officers.