Ofsted Reports

Inspection report: 3rd February 2026

Expected standard

Achievement

“Pupils achieve well overall. The achievement of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is particularly positive.”

“Staff address any gaps in reading skills quickly. This enables pupils to catch up and read with accuracy and fluency.”

“Almost all pupils secure sustained placements in education, employment or training when moving on from the school.”

Attendance and behaviour

“Leaders have created an inclusive environment where pupils’ regular attendance is promoted effectively.”

“Leaders have established a safe and orderly environment for pupils.”

“Pupils are warmly welcomed at the school gates by staff. This contributes to a positive start to the day.”

“Staff establish trusting and respectful relationships with pupils.”

“Pupils are typically focused in lessons and show an interest in their learning. Low-level disruption is rare.”

“At social times, in the main, pupils manage their behaviour well. They sit calmly and enjoy speaking with their friends.”

Curriculum and teaching

“Teachers use their subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum well. They present information clearly and give helpful explanations.”

“Leaders support pupils to build their essential knowledge effectively, such as in English and mathematics.”

“Pupils in the early stages of learning to read are supported well by appropriately trained staff.”

“Leaders successfully develop pupils’ oracy.”

Inclusion

Leaders have a clear and ambitious vision for the school, with equity for pupils at its heart.”

“Leaders use a range of well-established systems and approaches to ensure that pupils’ needs are identified precisely and swiftly.”

“Leaders have an accurate understanding of pupils’ needs. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported effectively through useful adaptations and resources.”

“Leaders work well with the local authority to reduce barriers to learning for some of their most vulnerable pupils. Positive relationships with different professionals ensure that pupils, including those known to social care, receive personalised support.”

Leadership and governance

“Leaders, including trustees and governors, are ambitious for pupils and act in their best interests.”

“Leaders continue to ensure that professional learning has a consistently positive impact on teaching.”

“Leaders work proactively and in collaboration with staff to reduce their workload and enhance wellbeing.”

“Trustees and governors have a wide range of skills that enable them to challenge and support leaders well.”

Personal Development and Wellbeing

“There is a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their leadership skills, including being student ambassadors, prefects and open-day volunteers. Leaders ensure that there is representation from pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils in these leadership positions.”

“Leaders have developed a wide-ranging programme of extra-curricular activities in response to pupils’ feedback. These include visits, sports and clubs, such as dance and drama.”

“Pupils respect differences in people. They learn about how to keep healthy, about relationships and consent.”

“Pupils benefit from helpful careers advice and guidance. They learn about the options available to them through presentations from local colleges, employers and apprenticeship providers. This helps to raise their aspirations for their future.”

What it’s like to be a pupil at this school

“Standish Community School provides a calm, caring and supportive environment for pupils. Positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to pupils’ sense of belonging and wellbeing.”

“Pupils are happy and feel safe.”

“Pupils rise to the school’s high expectations of behaviour. They are polite and respectful of the differences between people.”

“Pupils develop their appreciation of the wider world through memorable visits to places of interest in the United Kingdom and overseas.”

Read the full inspection report on the Ofsted website, here: Standish Community High School