Prince Henry’s High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Everyone at Prince Henry's High School is proud to be part of a united and vibrant community.

There is an all-encompassing togetherness that runs through every aspect of school life. Staff greet pupils each morning with genuine warmth, coupled with a determination that every pupil will work hard, attend regularly and behave exceptionally well. Pupils do all of these.

They flourish academically and grow into caring and responsible young adults. They learn alongside enthusiastic, dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Classrooms are places where pupils think, question and reflect on their learning.

Staff trust pupils to 'do the right thing' and uphold the family et...hos of the school. Pupils are courteous, kind and polite. Positivity and care permeate through every aspect of school.

Pupils take on leadership roles willingly and are eager to contribute to improve their school and their local community. They are excellent ambassadors of, and advocates for, their school.

Pupils live out the school values through their behaviour every day.

Everyone is welcome and discrimination of any sort is not tolerated. Pupils value the trust and respect shown by staff. This, combined with a clear set of rules and expectations contributes to a positive school-wide culture.

If pupil behaviour does not meet the school's expected standard the school takes sensible, proportionate and fair action.

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

Pupils learn a broad range of subjects. At key stage 4, the school carefully guides each pupil so that they choose a blend of qualifications that is right for them.

This develops pupils' scientific, linguistic, creative, social, sporting and creative knowledge in equal measure and taps into their interests and aspirations. Sixth-form students have an equally broad choice. A highly effective careers programme supports pupils in choosing wisely.

This helps open pupils' minds to the range of careers that they can pursue and sets them on a course for future success.

The school is committed to providing a high-quality education to all pupils in each subject. It is achieving this aim.

Each subject curriculum is constructed carefully. This helps pupils to build their knowledge over time. For instance, in art, pupils learn the important individual techniques needed for success.

They then have the freedom to experiment to develop their ideas, under the watchful eye of their teachers.

Teachers are experts in the subjects they teach. They know the curriculum in detail and how best to explain this to pupils.

Pupils are guided through each new concept so that they understand and remember it well. Teachers are alert to the stumbling blocks and misconceptions that pupils may encounter. They help pupils navigate these to build a connected and rounded understanding of the subject.

This helps pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their needs accurately identified when they join the school. The school then provides information to teachers so they can support pupils in lessons.

Teachers use this information well. The school provides effective support to pupils who need additional support to improve their reading.

The school takes particular care of its most vulnerable pupils.

The 'lodge' and the 'bridge' are key aspects of this work. In the lodge, pupils benefit from quality academic provision alongside an individual approach that helps prepare them for adulthood. The bridge is designed to support pupils whose social, emotional, mental health or physical needs prevent them accessing aspects of their education.

Staff in the bridge work sensitively alongside pupils. They are successful in helping them reintegrate fully in school life.

The sixth form is a shining light.

Sixth-form students work together with their teachers harmoniously. There is an aspirational culture that values hard work. The school expects students to be dedicated and committed to their studies.

However, it also recognises the pressure that this can bring to bear on students. It provides effective support to mitigate this. Alongside this, the school has planned a wider curriculum that enhances and enriches students' experience.

This extends from purposeful and relevant debates in tutor time to a meaningful and deliberately planned enrichment programme.

Pupils and sixth-form students benefit from a comprehensive personal development offer. At its heart this aims to help pupils see themselves as part of rich, diverse and cultural modern Britain.

Pupils learn about, and share, the important values that will help them succeed in later life. Diversity and equality are celebrated. The school has constructed a thorough personal, social and health education curriculum (PSHE).

This teaches pupils about a range of issues, from toxic relationships and coercive control to the importance of sleep and eating healthily. This taught curriculum works in partnership with a wider curriculum. This embraces and promotes pupils' interests.

Pupils participate in a multitude of high-quality clubs, trips and visits. These range from retro gaming club to musical theatre.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.