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30
Jun
Inspectors question low achievement rates at Nidderdale High School
A significant minority of pupils at Nidderdale High School have gaps in their knowledge or skills, according to Ofsted.
Government inspectors visited the 395-pupil school, which is part of Moorlands Learning Trust, on April 28 this year.
Their report, published today (June 30), said the achievement level at the Pateley Bridge school ‘needs attention’.
The other five areas assessed — attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing — were all graded ‘expected standard’.
The grading system options are 'exceptional', 'strong standard', 'expected standard', 'needs attention' and 'urgent improvement'.
The report reveals the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSE was 30.6% in 2025/25, below the national average of 45.4%. The school’s mark last year was 35.4%.
It adds:
A significant minority of pupils have gaps in their knowledge or skills. Difficulties in areas such as reading and writing, hinder their achievement. This is reflected in the quality of pupils’ responses and the work they produce. Some pupils’ work is variable in its quality across subjects. This does not reflect leaders’ high expectations.
Leaders are developing a more refined approach to support pupils with reading and writing. For example, they are beginning to make effective use of technology and a range of literacy interventions. This support is in its infancy and gaps remain for some pupils in older year groups.
Praise for leaders
Nidderdale High School converted to academy status in September 2023.
It was rated 'good' in its last inspection as a local authority school in March 2023.
This week's inspection report says “everyone is made to feel welcome” and “leaders' focus on ensuring pupils experience a sense of belonging underpins their work”.
Attendance is improving, bullying is rare and suspensions “are used appropriately”
Leaders are praised for establishing “clear priorities, particularly around improving attendance and strengthening pupils’ basic skills”, staff feel valued and governors and trustees “ensure the strategic direction of the school is clearly understood”.
Headteacher Kath Jordan said:
We are delighted that the work we do to support all of our young people has been recognised in our recent inspection. Meeting the new ‘expected standard’ is a high benchmark to reach and we are very proud to have achieved this standard across such a wide range of measures.
Helen Williams, chief executive of Moorlands Learning Trust, said:
We are thrilled that the hard work of all students and staff at Nidderdale High School has been recognised by Ofsted. This latest inspection report is testament to the way that everyone at the school regularly goes above and beyond to ensure that all students have access to a wide range of opportunities and can succeed across multiple disciplines.
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