Harrogate High School’s celebration of one year as an academy has received a massive boost after an Ofsted inspection deemed it “outstanding” in its leadership and management and “good” in terms of the quality of teaching, achievement of pupils and their behaviour and safety.
Students are making good progress in English and mathematics while achievement is rising quickly especially in the sixth form as a result of “outstanding” teaching.
Click to read the full Harrogate High School Ofsted Report (opens in adobe)
Ian Curtis, HHS chair of governors, said:
I am absolutely delighted to be able to congratulate every member of staff for achieving such a high standard.
The current Ofsted inspections of schools are probably the most rigorous ever, which means that we can be especially proud of this outcome and the endorsement of our progress. Spending time in school, I see examples of the great work that takes place every single day and I am confident that our leaders, teachers and students have the ability and desire to build on this success and to continue to move the school forward.
The Ofsted report says that school principal, Andrew Bayston, has “galvanised” the enthusiasm and ambition of the staff who have a shared goal to do their very best for the academy and the students.
A “high quality curriculum in Key Stage Four and the 6th Form” and the school’s “rich arts curriculum” enable students to take part in public performances around the Yorkshire area. “These experiences ensure that students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness develops well.”
Mr. Bayston said the report was an endorsement of the significant and sustained progress made over the last four years.
Mr Bayston (pictured) said:
Students and staff have put in a tremendous effort. The school has improved year on year and this is down to teamwork, hard work and a culture of celebration that enables our young people to thrive in a safe and secure environment. Over the last two years, improvements in the quality of teaching have been achieved through a high-quality programme of professional development for teaching and support staff.
One of our strengths is our ability to personalise the curriculum to match the needs of individual students. It is this that enables all students to achieve. Of course we can never be complacent. We will always seek to improve year on year to maximise the benefits to our students.
One year 7 parent said:
I have no doubt in my mind that sending my child to Harrogate High School was the right decision. She is happy and achieving well in all areas. Well done and thank you to all the staff. It is a fantastic Ofsted report.
