Paulet High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school This is a truly inclusive school. Governors, senior leaders, staff and pupils share a common belief that there is a place for everyone at Paulet and aspirations are equally high for every pupil.

The headteacher and deputy headteacher, both appointed to their permanent positions since the last inspection, have galvanised staff to urgently address the areas in need of improvement, leading to better teaching and better outcomes for pupils. In 2016, there was a considerable improvement in the number of pupils gaining GCSEs at grades A* to C in English and mathematics. A higher proportion of disadvantaged pupils made good progress than in previous year...s.

This is as a result of improved teaching, careful tracking of their progress and additional support if they fall behind. However, disadvantaged pupils still do less well than other pupils at the school and other pupils nationally. Teachers deliver engaging and interesting lessons and pupils make good progress across a wide range of subjects.

Pupils value the good relationships they have with their teachers and behave well in lessons and around the school. Attendance has improved since the last inspection. Leaders recognise the importance of pupils attending school every day and have provided additional resources to support this.

The sixth form requires improvement. Leaders in the sixth form are not clear enough about what needs to be improved. Teaching is not sufficiently focused on the skills required for academic success and students do not make enough progress on A- and AS-level courses.

Inconsistencies exist in the effectiveness of different departments in delivering the school's teaching and learning priorities, including improving the quality of marking and personalised learning plans.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. Paulet High School is smaller than the average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is lower than average and the proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is also lower than average.

Five pupils are on part-time placements at the Burton Alternative Education pupil referral unit. These placements include short-term placements with specialist vocational training providers. These are currently Project Wired (a sound and vision theatre activity), Mac Motors (motorcycle and car maintenance) and Curzon Street (construction).

The school has sought out and received additional support from staff at the National Forest Teaching School and The Arthur Terry Teaching School Alliance for a number of different school improvement projects. This includes support from the headteachers of these schools, who are national leaders of education. The school meets the government's current floor standards.