West Hill School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher's leadership is good.

He instils a sense of moral purpose across the school. Consequently, standards are improving for all pupils at West Hill School. School leaders have a clear vision which is shared by the school community.

The very experienced and talented team of senior leaders ably supports the headteacher in his drive to move the school forward. Governance is a strength of the school. The chair of governors and her team know the school very well.

They have played an instrumental role in bringing about improvements in the school. Teachers foster warm and positive relationships with their pupils. Consequently..., the majority of pupils are keen to learn and to do their best.

Pupils make good progress in English, geography, religious education and biology. Progress in mathematics is below the national average but is improving quickly. Pupils conduct themselves well in lessons and around the school.

They have positive attitudes to learning. Pupils are polite, courteous and extremely respectful. Older pupils are excellent role models for younger pupils.

This is an inclusive school. Leadership of learning support is strong and, as a result, all pupils are supported and helped to overcome any difficulties with their learning or behaviour. Attendance is consistently above the national average and improving for all groups as a result of diligent monitoring and timely interventions.

The curriculum is broad and balanced. This, coupled with high-quality careers guidance and support, ensures that all pupils are exceedingly well prepared for the next stage in their education or training. Performance management has been used highly effectively to improve accountability at all levels.

It is clearly linked to the school improvement plan. As a result, all staff know their role in improving the quality of education and are supported well to achieve it. The overwhelming majority of parents and pupils are enthusiastic in their praise of the school and would recommend this school to others.

The quality of teaching is good. When teachers do not routinely plan to challenge pupils, progress is limited. Pupil premium funding is used to support disadvantaged pupils, but analysis of the strategies used is underdeveloped.

As a result, leaders are not aware of which strategies are having most impact.

Information about this school

The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish on its website. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

West Hill is a smaller than average school for boys only with a comprehensive intake. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below average. Some pupils are eligible for the Year 7 catch-up premium.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is broadly average, as is the proportion who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is broadly average, as is the proportion who have an education, health and care plan. A small number of pupils in key stage 4 attend alternative provision for one day per week at Tameside College.

A small number of pupils in key stage 4 spend a few days during the year training at football clubs in the North West. Since the last inspection, a new headteacher joined the school in September 2015. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for progress and attainment.