Hillside is a Good School!

W​e are delighted to announce that following our Ofsted Inspection on 19th - 20th September inspectors have concluded that Hillside is a Good School in all areas!

Overall effectiveness: Good

The quality of education: Good

Behaviour and attitudes: Good

Personal development: Good

Leadership and management: Good

W​e are so proud that the hard work and efforts from our whole community have been recognised and celebrated by this inspection.

P​rincipal, Amanda Ryan said "I am so very happy and extremely proud that our school has been recognised by Ofsted as being a Good school. Everyone at Hillside truly believes in providing the children we serve with 'Excellence in the Heart of the Community'. To have this formally acknowledged by an Ofsted judgement is a true reflection of where we are as a school. Our commitment to continually improve is unwavering."

Y​ou can read the whole report by following this link: Ofsted Inspection Hillside September 2023

Some highlights of the report included:

Hillside High School is an accepting community. Pupils feel welcome and diversity is celebrated.

Pupils benefit from high levels of pastoral support. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm. Pupils understand that staff only want the best for them.

Pupils are happy at this school. They appreciate the safe space that the school provides for them to be individuals.

Pupils behave well and are respectful.

In recent years, the school has focused successfully on improving the quality of education that pupils receive. In collaboration with the trust and with careful consideration, it has designed an ambitious and broad curriculum

Teachers regularly check pupils’ understanding and swiftly address any misconceptions. They use assessment strategies effectively to identify any gaps in pupils’ knowledge and to adapt teaching.

In lessons, pupils can learn free from distraction and there is rarely any low-level disruption.

Teachers are motivated to keep their own learning up to date and to draw on current research.

This is a school where, across the curriculum, reading is a priority. Staff and pupils share the belief that ‘reading is power’.

Governors and trustees support the school well in its aim of ‘excellence in the community’.