Westhoughton High School responds after Ofsted inspection

Westhoughton High School has an ‘ambitious and well-designed’ curriculum, according to Ofsted, which carried out an inspection under the new framework.

Inspectors found that pupils’ attainment was in line with national averages and many pupils achieve the qualifications needed to progress when they leave school.

Teachers were said to have a good understanding of the subjects they teach.

The Ofsted report stated: “Many pupils at Westhoughton High School are keen to learn and behave well.”

But despite this, the school was found to require ‘significant improvement’ as with attendance among some pupils being described ‘too low’.

Headteacher Neil Coe said that he was disappointed in the Ofsted findings but said the school’s work on attendance was leading to improvements

Achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance and attendance and behaviour were all said to need attention with personal development and wellbeing said to meet the expected standard.

Inspectors reported: “Recently leaders have begun to strengthen their work to improve attendance.

“For example they are working more closely with families and with local primary schools to support pupils’ transition into secondary school and to establish stronger habit of attendance.”

The majority of pupils were said to behave well, despite the limited space in some parts of the building and playground areas.

Inspectors stated: “Leaders have worked with staff to build positive relationships with pupils to create a welcoming environment where pupils feel supported.”

Westhoughton High School

The inspection found that some staff did not re-enforce the ‘school’s expectations’ consistently and some pupils, who wanted to do well felt their learning was being allowed to be interrupted.

Ofsted added that all pupils do not make the progress ‘that they should from their starting points’.

Inspectors reported: “Leaders have taken effective steps to improve several aspects of the school’s work. They have strengthened the organisation and breadth of the curriculum and developed the personal development programme so that pupils benefit from a wider range of opportunities.

“Leaders have also introduced clearer expectations for behaviour and routines across the school and have focused on building positive relationships between staff and pupils. Staff recognise this emphasis on creating a calm and welcoming environment. “However, leaders’ actions have not yet secured improvement quickly enough in some important areas, such as attendance and punctuality.”

Inspectors noted the school’s extra-curricular programme which gives pupils access to a wide range of clubs to enhance their personal development with the PSHE lessons raising awareness of the challenges facing young people today while also raising aspirations, including providing a popular work experience programme.

Mr Coe said: “This has been a challenging time for staff in school, and I know parents may feel disappointed and let down. I am sorry I have not led the school to the outcome that I believe we should have achieved for your children. I remain committed to taking the school on its improvement journey and look to our parent body to support us, particularly with attendance, as we push forward.

“Leaders have already been working on next steps for September 2026 that we believe will help the school to reach the expected standard.

“I am pleased to report that since the January visit our attendance work has finally shown some impact. Spring term attendance this year was 1.1 per cent higher than 2025 and currently, summer term attendance is 2.8 per cent higher than 2025. Our Year Seven learners continue to fly the flag for good attendance and have sustained around 94 per cent attendance for most of the academic year. Our attendance focus isn’t new, but impact has been stubborn for some time.”

He added: “It remains a privilege to serve as headteacher for our school. We have such a diverse range of young people here who bring so much to our school. They continue to make me proud in so many ways.”