Spalding High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive in the culture of high aspiration that exists at this school. They challenge themselves to be the best they can be. Pupils celebrate one another's achievements.

They work together to the benefit of all.

Pupils describe feeling comfortable and confident. Staff and pupils have developed excellent relationships.

Pupils say they can talk to any member of staff should they need help or have a concern. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the personalised support they need to participate in school life alongside their peers. Students in the sixth form, including those new to the school, talk about the welcoming atmo...sphere that helps them to feel part of the school community.

Pupils' contributions to the life of the school make it the exceptional place it is to learn. The school council gives pupils a voice. Pupils support their peers as well-being champions and anti-bullying ambassadors.

Pupils produce a very high-quality school magazine called the 'High Quarterly'. The pupil authors of the magazine celebrate pupils' achievements and capture the essence of pupil experiences. They describe the vast array of wider opportunities and events that pupils take part in.

They also share recipes, games and humorous articles.

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

The school's curriculum has been deliberately planned to help all pupils achieve their potential. The curriculum identifies the important knowledge that pupils should learn and specifically sets out how pupils will connect their learning.

Pupils regularly revisit prior learning in such a way that they not only recall what they have studied but also enhance their understanding. Pupils develop detailed and sophisticated knowledge. They achieve very well.

Pupils help one another to reflect on their learning from different perspectives. Pupils in a year 9 history lesson discussed the relative importance of factors that impacted upon women's experiences in 1950s Britain.

Teachers use their excellent subject knowledge to provide pupils with work that motivates and challenges them.

They regularly check pupils' understanding. Teachers ask pupils carefully crafted questions. The work that pupils produce reflects their detailed knowledge of subject-specific vocabulary as well as their commitment to their education.

Students in the sixth form enjoy their learning. They value the respectful and focused atmosphere in which they study. In many lessons, students benefit from thoughtfully designed work that helps them to build their knowledge.

Pupils with SEND have their needs promptly identified. Staff are knowledgeable about these pupils in their classrooms. They make adjustments to their teaching so that all pupils can learn about the most sophisticated aspects of the subjects they study.

Pupils with SEND develop excellent subject knowledge.The school is committed to helping pupils develop their love of reading. Pupils have their reading ability checked so effective support can be provided when necessary.

Those who have fallen behind their peers receive effective support to improve their reading confidence and fluency. In key stage 3, pupils read a carefully chosen selection of texts during tutor time. Pupils can enjoy discussing their reading in one of four book clubs.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They treat one another, staff and visitors with respect. Pupils are resilient.

They are eager to learn. They help one another to overcome challenges.

The school provides multiple experiences to help pupils to broaden their horizons.

Pupils take part in battlefields trips connected to their study in history. They visit Iceland, Italy and Austria to help them experience their subjects outside the classroom and to build social and cultural understanding.

Pupils take part in a wide range of clubs and activities, including singing in the chamber choir, performing in school concerts and playing for sports teams.

They feel listened to and take full advantage of opportunities to develop their own interests. Some pupils successfully petitioned for the creation of an ancient Greek club. Pupils take up opportunities to be active citizens.

For example, pupils in year 9 organise bake sales to raise money for charity. Pupils vote to decide on which charities to support. Such opportunities help to prepare pupils exceptionally well as active citizens.

Students in the sixth form are not as consistently helped to develop a secure understanding of issues related to their study of personal, social, health, citizenship and economic education. They would appreciate more time to learn about topics such as government and democracy as well as tax and personal finances.

Pupils enjoy opportunities to learn about next steps and future careers.

The school ensures that pupils understand all the options open to them before they make choices about their futures.

Governors play an active part in the life of the school. They challenge and support the school to maintain and develop the high standards that have been set.

Staff are overwhelmingly positive about working at the school. They say they are listened to and value the opportunities for professional development.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.