Leaders at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School are on the right track - but more still needs to be done.
Following the latest monitoring visit, Ofsted has given a broad thumbs-up to changes being implemented by headteacher Helen Morgan and her team of senior leaders. The advice follows the 1,400-pupil secondary school being placed in special measures in summer.
The report judged both the post-Ofsted action plan and statement of action as being fit for purpose. Inspectors also recognised the school’s drive and determination to improve and get out of Special Measures as soon as possible.
It stated: “Proposed actions are relevant, address the issues raised in the report and are logically matched to the sequence of actions and priorities.
“However, it would be helpful for senior leaders to map the full sequence of actions for all of the areas for improvement. This is so that any particular pressure points can be clearly identified to ensure that what is planned is manageable within the designated timescales.”
The school is working with the Department for Education to confirm a sponsor to assist the school. Governors have expressed a preference for Abbey Grange Academy, Leeds, because of its track record of sustained improvement.
They have also appointed Dr Wendy Bradford, an experienced consultant headteacher, as an interim advisor,
Ms Morgan said: “We are quickly making the changes needed to transform HLHS into an outstanding place to learn.
“Our results this summer show that we are already making progress, with all key measures showing improvement.
“The gap between those students eligible for the Pupil Premium and their peers is closing. This highlights our commitment to ensuring that socio-economic deprivation is not a barrier to achievement.”
