Rhyddings

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a school that requires improvement Since the last inspection, the quality of education at the school has declined. In 2017, pupils' outcomes improved.

However, too many pupils still do not make the progress of which they are capable. Leaders and governors have an overly optimistic view of the school's performance. They have not acted quickly enough to secure the necessary improvements.

Leaders do not use additional funding effectively. Consequently, disadvantaged pupils and those pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities do not make good progress. Too many pupils are absent from school.

This is particularly the case f...or disadvantaged pupils and those pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities. Governors do not have the relevant knowledge and skills required to hold leaders to account. The quality of teaching is variable across subjects and year groups.

Some teachers do not use assessment information well enough to plan effective teaching that meets the needs of pupils and challenges them to make as much progress as they can. A minority of pupils are unable to manage their own behaviour. Consequently, the proportion of pupils who are excluded from school for a fixed period is above the national average.

There are occasions when teachers do not plan for the needs of those pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities. As a result, these pupils do not make appropriate progress. The school has the following strengths The new leadership team has started to take effective action to improve the standards of education across the school.

The new curriculum allows pupils to make better progress than in previous years. Leaders provide pupils with high-quality careers education and guidance. This benefits all pupils in the school.

This exceptional support guides them effectively into the next phase of their education. Staff are committed to caring for pupils' welfare. There are a range of extra-curricular experiences that develop pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness.

The overwhelming majority of pupils are polite and friendly. There are strong and effective relationships between pupils and staff that support pupils during their learning.

Information about this school

This is a smaller-than-average secondary school.

The decline in pupil numbers has led to a reduction in the number of staff at the school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is well above the national average.

However, the proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is well below the national average. The school met the government's floor standards in 2017. A very small number of pupils attend alternative provision at Oswaldtwistle School or Accrington and Rossendale College.