Ofsted is the regulatory body for education establishments, such as schools and colleges, providing institutions with ratings on a four-point scale, ranging from 'inadequate' to 'outstanding'.
Grades are based on overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
While concerns have been raised about Ofsted’s single-word judgements, many parents look at inspection reports as a way to decide which school is best suited to their children.
A poll, of more than 4,500 National Education Union (NEU) teacher members in state schools in England revealed that he majority of teachers (90%) do not believe single-word judgments are a fair reflection of the performance of a school.
However, a spokesperson for Ofsted said: “We inspect schools on behalf of children and their parents, but we are very mindful of the pressures on school staff. We have already made several changes to inspection over the last year, focused on school leaders’ and staff welfare. But we have promised to go further to strengthen confidence in our work.
“That’s why we launched our Big Listen last month. We’re asking parents, children, heads, teachers and other professionals to help shape the way we work in future and make sure all children have the best possible education and life chances.”
Below are all of the Merseyside secondary schools which currently hold Ofsted’s ‘requires improvement’ rating, as of April 15, 2024.
While concerns have been raised about Ofsted’s single-word judgements, many parents look at inspection reports as a way to decide which school is best suited to their children.
5. Educ8 Liverpool, Seaforth, Sefton L21
Published in September 2023, the Ofsted report for Educ8 Liverpool states: "Leaders have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievement, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils behave well and enjoy each other’s company. They are polite and welcoming to visitors. Pupils feel safe. Leaders deal swiftly with any incidents of bullying or name-calling. Leaders are ambitious for pupils academically and have set about improving the quality of the curriculum. However, the curriculum has not been finalised in all subject areas. This hinders how well some pupils learn. Additionally, a few pupils do not receive the support that they require to read accurately and fluently." Photo: Google Street View
6. Gateacre School, Belle Vale, Liverpool L25
Published in January 2024, the Ofsted report for Gateacre School reads: "Most pupils enjoy coming to this friendly and welcoming school. They maintain positive relationships with their teachers. This helps most pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to feel safe. The school has raised its expectations of pupils’ academic achievement. However, pupils do not achieve as well as they should. This is because there are weaknesses in the design and delivery of the curriculum in some subjects. In addition, the sixthform programme of study is not broad or ambitious enough. Students do not develop a deep and secure body of knowledge securely over time. This limits their success in their next stage of education, employment or training."
7. Hope Academy, Newton-le-Willows, St Helens WA12
Published in November 2021, the Ofsted report for Hope Academy states: "Pupils treat each other well. They said that nasty comments or other unkind behaviours are infrequent. Pupils trust staff to deal with these occasional incidents of poor behaviour or bullying effectively. Pupils have positive attitudes to their learning. Their conduct in lessons is consistently good. Pupils know how to keep themselves and others safe. They use this to support each other. They are confident in turning to staff when they need help or support. Although the quality of education that pupils receive is improving, it remains too varied. Pupils do not consistently benefit from activities that help them to know and remember more. Pupils at Hope Academy extend their kindness beyond the school community. They willingly contribute to a range of local charities, including food banks and hospices." Photo: Google Street View
8. Liverpool Progressive School, Walton, Liverpool L9
Published in February 2023, the Ofsted report for Liverpool Progressive School states: "Pupils and students feel safe in school. Pupils are well supervised throughout the day. Leaders’ expectations of pupils’ behaviour are high. In the main, the school is calm and orderly. However, a few pupils who struggle to access learning become disengaged in lessons and they do not behave as well as they should. Staff deal swiftly and sensitively with any unkindness or name-calling, including any behaviour that could be viewed as bullying. However, despite these positives, a number of pupils have poor rates of attendance. This means that they miss out on opportunities to learn the curriculum with their peers." An additional inspection took place in November 2023. Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images - illustrative purposes only