Ofsted says Weobley High School continues to be a good school

Ofsted visited Weobley High School, near Leominster, and said happiness was central to daily life.

Saying the school was still rated Good, inspectors Nicola Beech and Richard Sutton said in their report that almost every pupil enjoyed school.

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"They know they belong to an inclusive community where people respect and care for each other," the report said.

"Pupils talk to each other, staff and visitors with respect and good humour. They are open when sharing their views and opinions because school leaders have created opportunities for them to be heard."

Pupils were said to feel safe in school and if bullying happens, it is dealt with promptly. They leave well-prepared for their next steps in education and beyond, the report said.

They enjoy learning a wide range of subjects, with the school even employing a part-time dance teacher to offer a small group a GCSE drama qualification.

There was also praise for the curriculum and the wide range of extracurricular clubs and workshops on offer.

To improve, the school, with 536 pupils aged between 11 and 16, would need to make sure all staff knew how to use the new online system for recording safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding was said to be effective overall.

The school was also told it should ensure that the curriculum was planned so that pupils gain equally strong subject-specific (disciplinary) knowledge in all subjects.

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Executive headteacher Dean Willians said: “I am delighted with the report. I think it reflects much of the unique nature of the school with the key focus on happiness and respect being at the core of our values.

"I’m particularly pleased that it identifies the exemplary behaviour and personal development of our pupils; I couldn’t be prouder of them.

"Equally there are several references to the high-quality teaching and learning which takes place at Weobley as well as our creative approach to curriculum design. The inspectors were clearly impressed and the language and tone of the report reflects this.

"It is a privilege to work at Weobley with such a fantastic team of staff and with such supportive parents and governors.  Our success really is a team effort, in the broadest sense."

Chair of governors Marcus Williams added that the school fulfils its purpose to ensure all its students grow to become engaged, happy and responsible young people.