A HIGH school previously graded as ‘requires improvement’ by inspectors four years ago has now been given a ‘good’ rating.

Part of the Education Partnership Trust, Atherton High School received the 'Good' rating following an Ofsted inspection in January.

With pupils being 'proud’ to attend the Hamilton Street school, the report has delighted teachers who have been working to turn the school's grading around.

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'Pupils relish warm and welcoming atmosphere at school'

Published in March, the Ofsted report states: “[Pupils] value the positive relationships they have with their teachers. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), feel happy and safe.

The report added that pupils "relish the warm and welcoming atmosphere at the school" and in the main, they are respectful of each other and work hard to meet the high expectations that the school has of their achievement.

“They are motivated to learn and maintain a positive attitude towards their learning,” the report continued. “As such, the learning environment is clam and purposeful.”

School leaders have a 'good understanding' of responsibilities

The report said the trustees and local governing body have a ‘good understanding’ of their roles and responsibilities.

“They provide appropriate challenge and support to the school,” the report said. “This helps the trust and the school to make the necessary improvements to policies and systems.

“The school has increased its engagement with parents and carers over time. This means that staff are better informed about the barriers that prevent some pupils from attending school or achieving well.”

Inspectors said this is leading to positive action to help improve attendance rates and pupils’ academic success, with the curriculum, including for those with SEND, said to be ‘ambitious'.

The report also said that arrangements for safeguarding at the school are effective.

However, the report did state that there are a small number of pupils who "do not understand the importance of tolerance and respect for others as well as they should".

The report also said that some pupils do not receive enough information about different career pathways, suggesting that the school should improve its careers programme across all key stages.

Teachers 'delighted with inspection report

Ben Layzell, Headteacher of Atherton High School stated: “We are delighted with the ‘good’ Ofsted inspection which we have been working hard to achieve.

“The report recognised the many strengths of our school including the quality of education, the motivation of pupils, that pupils achieve well, that they have good relationships with their teachers and feel happy and safe.

“Inspectors highlighted our ambitious curriculum for everyone, our academic success, our varied extra curricular activities and the warm and welcoming atmosphere at the school.

“We will continue to focus on the areas for development identified in the report as these were already in our improvement plan. This report demonstrates that Atherton High School has transformed into an exceptional school that its community deserves.”