Northwich and Winsford schools rated 'Outstanding' or 'Good'

Top of the pile are The County Highschool Leftwich, and Oaklands School in Winsford, who both achieved the most prestigious ‘Outstanding’ grade overall.

This takes nothing away from the other four, who all achieved a very respectable ‘Good’. 

Currently, 16.7 per cent of secondary schools are rated ‘Outstanding’, and 63.6 per cent are rated ‘Good’ across the UK as a whole.

These schools here all accept pupils aged between 11 and 16, or 11 and 18. 

Here’s what Ofsted had to say about Northwich and Winsford’s top schools after their latest inspections.

The full reports can be read by clicking on the school in our interactive map.

The County High School Leftwich, Northwich (Outstanding)

In April 2022, lead inspector Ahmed Marikar found this to be ‘friendly and welcoming’ school, where staff have ‘very high expectations of pupils’ achievement’.

He found pupils polite, well-mannered, well behaved, and clear about the high standards of conduct expected of them.

Good relationships between staff and pupils were noted, and they students ‘relish’ taking on a variety of responsibilities, including volunteering in the library, helping younger pupils to read, and being prefects.

Ahmed said: “Leaders, together with members of the governing body, trustees, and staff, are committed to ensuring that every pupil is given every possible opportunity to succeed both academically and personally.

“Teachers think very carefully about what knowledge they want pupils to know.

"They make use of the most up-to-date research to inform the design of subject curriculums.”

Oaklands School, Winsford (Outstanding)

Ofsted inspector Julie Bather, back in 2019, found all pupils at Oaklands were ‘treated as a unique individual, yet every school member is part of a supportive, warm and friendly community’.

She found pupils value their friendships and look after one another, and this ethos and collaborative working were visible during the inspection.

Staff have high expectations of what pupils can achieve, and their excellent relationships establish firm foundations, leading to happy, confident learners.

Julie said: "A wide range of activities and experiences have been used this academic year to help pupils to understand how to keep themselves safe. This has included visiting theatre productions and workshops and inviting visiting speakers, as well as formal lessons and discussion.

"Pupils and parents spoke appreciatively about the school’s emotional literacy support, known as ELSA.

"Students receive support in a number of areas, including friendships, social skills, managing emotions and bereavement.

"The holistic and comprehensive work that the school does to support pupils’ well-being has recently been recognised, as the school has been awarded the national ‘Well-Being Award for Schools’."

Hartford Church of England High School, Northwich (Good)

Ofsted inspector Stephen Ruddy, in January 2018, found pupils at Hartford CofE to be ‘courteous and confident’, and noted relationships between staff and pupils were positive.

Senior leaders were found to set and promote the values of the school with clarity and consistency, and that the school is highly regarded by the community, routinely receiving more applications for places than are available for pupils.

Stephen said: “Most pupils make good progress and attain the challenging targets leaders set.

“The progress that pupils make towards these is measured regularly and accurately, so teachers and leaders know how well pupils are doing. Consequently, most teachers regularly set work that challenges pupils.

“When pupils meet or exceed these targets, teachers review and raise them so that they can set work which engages and stretches the pupils still further.”

St Nicholas Catholic High School, Northwich (Good)

Back in February 2019, lead inspector Jonathan Smart found pupils at St Nicholas’ to be well behaved and respectful.

Teachers and leaders were found to work hard to improve the attendance and academic progress of disadvantaged pupils especially well.

He found careers education, information, advice, and guidance to be excellent, and noted pastoral support as a ‘key strength’.

He said: “The curriculum is well planned, and it increasingly meets pupils’ needs.

“Teachers use their strong subject knowledge to motivate pupils and to plan interesting and engaging lessons.

“They use resources very effectively to promote consistently good or better learning and progress across most subjects and key stages.

“Senior leaders, ably led by the headteacher, have undertaken a full review of the curriculum at both key stages 3 and 4 to ensure that schemes of work are delivered effectively and that teachers plan and sequence lessons well.

“An extensive extra-curricular programme effectively supports the formal curriculum offer.

“'Everyone matters’ underpins all aspects of the school’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education.”

The Rudheath Senior Academy, Northwich (Good)

In January this year, lead inspector Stephanie Gill found pupils at Rudheath Senior Academy benefit form an ambitious curriculum, and the vast majority feel happy safe.

They work hard and behave well in lessons, and teachers help all pupils to do their best.

Teachers check where pupils are secure in their learning, and where they might need more help. As a result, pupils acquire a wide range of knowledge.

Stephanie noted how many students are involved in the clubs and activities on offer, and how older pupils value opportunities to take on leadership roles and support younger pupils.

She said: “Teachers have good subject knowledge and explain subject content clearly and take time to show pupils how to complete a task well.

“The school’s personal, social and health education programme is comprehensive, and leaders ensure it is complemented by assemblies and form time activities.

“Leaders support pupils’ health and well-being. For example, pupils and staff spend time eating together at lunchtime.

“Pupils receive effective careers advice and are helped to make the right choices for their future education.”

Weaverham High School, Northwich (Good)

In March 2020, lead inspector Alyson Middlemass found pupils thought Weaverham High School a wonderful place to learn.

She said there is a happy, friendly atmosphere at the school, and people are kind to each other, and pupils feel safe, cared for and well supported.

The school’s mantra of ‘Safe, Ready and Respect’ underpins pupils’ good behaviour, and the inspectors had no concerns about bullying.

She found in many subjects, strong leadership is responsible for well-thought-out curriculum plans, which enables the majority of pupils to achieve well.

Alyson said: "Pupils appreciate the vast range of leadership activities, local and overseas visits, sporting clubs, and drama and musical productions on offer.

"They talked with excitement about how the activities expanded their understanding of other cultures and broadened their skills.

"Pupils are particularly proud of the ‘Endeavour Programme’, which encourages them to complete a series of challenges that showcase new learning.

"Leaders ensure that disadvantaged pupils participate fully in these activities."