Meols Cop High praised by OFSTED as school where 'pupils are inspired to be successful'

Meols Cop High School in Southport has been rated as Good in every area in its first OFSTED inspection in 11 years.

Inspectors who visited the school, on Meols Cop Road, were full of praise, saying it was a place where “pupils are inspired to be successful in all that they do”.

They added: “The school’s core values of ‘brokering aspirations’ are evident in everything that happens. Pupils are proud to be part of the school community… they understand and live up to leaders’ high expectations of learning and conduct.”

There are 901 pupils currently studying at Meols Cop High aged between 11 and 16.

The OFSTED report, which has just been published, highlights the school’s excellent teaching and learning practices, strong academic curriculum and importantly how happy and safe students are.

The school is delighted that the report acknowledges the strength of pastoral care. Inspectors noted that: ‘Pupils feel happy and safe at the school. They are encouraged to take care of each other and become part of the Meols Cop ‘tribe’.”

Throughout the visit Ofsted recognised the culture of high ambition and high standards throughout all areas of school life. Inspectors recognised that students are ‘motivated to work hard and have positive relationships with staff.”

The inspectors recognised the commitment and strength of Meols Cop in the provision of wider personal development and a ‘vast array of activities that prepare students well for their next steps’. Careers education was highlighted as a key strength at Meols Cop. Inspectors recognised that the school is ‘Working collaboratively with local colleges and employers to ensure that careers information for pupils is locally relevant and personalised’.

Meols Cop was last inspected 11 years ago and judged ‘Outstanding’ under a previous inspection framework. The current framework is significantly different to the previous inspection framework and looked at the importance of very different things.

Meols Cop leaders said they are delighted to have been judged Good in all areas of this more demanding framework, demonstrating a consistent overall effectiveness.

The ratings were:

Overall effectiveness – Good

The quality of education – Good

Behaviour and attitudes – Good

Personal development – Good

Leadership and management – Good

The inspection comes at an exciting time both for the school and education in the town as Meols Cop will join the Southport Learning Trust in April. Southport Learning Trust has a strong track record of success with access to a wealth of resources and support including high quality staff development opportunities, extensive access to unique opportunities for students and a shared ambition for our young people to excel in life.

Inspectors recognised that ‘leaders are ambitious for pupils and the wider Southport community’ which is a culture shared across all schools in Southport Learning Trust.

Students at Meols Cop High School in Southport

Meols Cop High School Headteacher Mr Parry said:

“The staff, students and families of Meols Cop work extremely hard to create an ambitious culture in which all barriers are removed to ensure students have exceptional futures. I am delighted that the inspectors who visited had the opportunity to experience first-hand what we are fortunate to live every day. Along with the other Southport Learning Trust Schools across Southport we are looking forward to continuing to develop ambitious innovators, visionary thinkers and extraordinary pioneers who will further drive our town forward.”

Southport Learning Trust CEO Mr Raikes said:

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff, students and parents of Meols Cop High School on the outcome of this strong Ofsted report. We are delighted that Meols Cop is joining Southport Learning Trust. This partnership will enable us to build on our strengths, share best practice and provide even more opportunities for children across Southport.”