Smithills School on track to provide pupils with good education

Smithills School is currently in special measures and on a recent visit Ofsted found that the school is raising standards — with the majority of teaching now classed as "good or better", with senior leaders taking "effective action" to take it out of the "failing category".

The school was subject to its third monitoring report which found that "pupils continue to demonstrate positive attitudes to learning".

Headteacher Mike Sidebottom was praised by inspectors.

They reported: "Staff and pupils believe that he has been the driving force behind the positive changes in the school over the last year.

"Ably supported by a strong leadership team, the principal is working tirelessly to make Smithills School a place where all pupils benefit from a good quality education."

Many teachers are said to have high expectations of what pupils can achieve and in turn pupils push themselves to reach the goals set. GCSE students are said to be "top priority" for staff.

The inspection report stated: "It is clear that senior leaders know what the quality of teaching is like in classrooms across the school. They state that approximately two thirds of teaching is typically good or better. Inspection evidence, such as pupils’ workbooks and discussions with pupils, indicates that this assessment is accurate."

But the report added: "While this is an improvement on the situation at the previous monitoring inspection in November 2017, it means that a significant proportion of pupils are still not benefiting from routinely good teaching. "

Mr Sidebottom said the school was working together to ensure "rapid progress".

Mr Sidebottom said: "We were pleased with the recent Ofsted monitoring visit as it clearly shows that the school is moving quickly in the right direction. Staff and students have worked tirelessly together to ensure that rapid progress is maintained. Our goal is to continue to make our school a place where our students thrive, succeed and enjoy."