School's education quality 'requires improvement'

A school has been told the quality of its education "requires improvement".

Inspectors from the watchdog Ofsted found that pupils' personal development, behaviour and attitude at Netherhall School in Maryport were "good", but that the quality of education, sixth form provision, and leadership needed to be improved.

The report also said that pupils were benefiting from a revised curriculum which "raised expectations for pupils' achievement", but that there were weaknesses in how well some subjects were delivered, including in sixth form.

The school said it was pleased Ofsted had recognised "the excellent behaviour" of students but acknowledged more work was needed to improve areas highlighted.

A school spokesman said: "We are confident the school will continue to improve and deliver strong outcomes."

Ofsted's previous full inspection in 2018 had judged the school to be "good" across all criteria.

The school, which has 870 children on its roll, was found to have undergone "many changes" in leadership and staffing since the previous report.

Inspectors said pupils enjoyed attending Netherhall and that sixth form students served as "excellent role models" for younger children.

The report also highlighted the "extensive range" the school offered including sport events, overseas trips and charity fundraisers.

However, inspectors said the school had not ensured pupils' understanding was checked "well enough".

"This means that sometimes staff do not know when pupils have gaps in their knowledge or whether they remember their learning over time," they said.

"This hampers them from building on what they know and can do already."

Inspectors said the school was taking steps to improve "many aspects of its provision" leading to improved attendance rates.

They also praised children's behaviour and said staff were "proud" of their work.

Governors were said to not always challenge the school "effectively".

"This means that governors do not have a precise understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development," the report added.

Netherhall School said it was grateful to those who had taken part in the inspection, including parents who had spoken "passionately and positively" to inspectors and to the "hard working and dedicated" school staff and governing body.

The spokesman said: "We are pleased Ofsted recognises the excellent behaviour, attendance, attitude, engagement and achievement of students; the ambitious curriculum, the review and strengthening of subject curriculums and that staff have secure knowledge and design activities to help pupils learn.

"We acknowledge further work is needed to embed and improve the areas highlighted by the report."

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.