BRIDGEWATER High School in Appleton has achieved a rating of ‘good’ in its first Ofsted inspection since 2011.

The school scored an outstanding rating in its last inspection prior to their change to academy status in 2014.

Bridgewater High was rated good across the board for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

In the reports, which can be read in full on the Ofsted website, the academy is described as a ‘welcoming and friendly school’, and one that ‘pupils are happy and enjoy learning in’.

Inspectors praised leaders’ efforts in improving the curriculum and the strong relationships that staff build with pupils, including those with special education needs and disabilities.

Ofsted did remark on the lack of students taking specific GCSE EBacc subjects, such as languages or the humanities, which are considered essential to many degrees and can open doors in future careers.

However, the school was already aware and actioning this at the time of the inspection by putting measures in place to encourage more students to study modern foreign languages.

It was also commented on in the report that in a few subjects, teachers did not deliver the curriculum as well as they should.

Other than these two small issues Ofsted raised, most of the inspection praises the establishment for the leaders, teachers and pupils.

The inspectors wrote: “Leaders place a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ personal development. They prioritise support for pupils’ physical and mental health.

“Pupils learn about the importance of respecting people from different religions and cultures. They are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

“Staff are proud to work at the school. They feel listened to. Staff value the training opportunities within the school.

“Staff appreciate leaders’ efforts to reduce their workload and improve their well-being.

“The school has a calm and orderly atmosphere. Staff manage pupils’ behaviour well. Pupils follow clear routines when they enter classrooms. Most pupils said that they can learn without disruption.

“Teachers use a range of assessment strategies increasingly well to check pupils’ understanding and to address any errors and misconceptions. Teachers address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge.”

Governors were also hailed for knowing the strengths of the school, challenging leaders when necessary, wanting the best for pupils and knowing what needs to be improved.