Inspection Summary Report - Newtownhamilton High School

Newtownhamilton High School

DE Ref No 521-0025

Inspection Summary Report - September 2025

The school’s vision of Every Child an Important Child, underpinned by a strong Christian ethos and shared values, is reflected very well in the actions of the school community, the focus on the holistic development of the pupils, and the high level of care provided for them.
The pupils are very courteous and friendly; they are well disposed to learning and their behaviour is exemplary.
The student council demonstrates very well the pupils’ commitment to the school’s values by generating creative ideas to improve aspects of school life and raise funds to support others; this work has contributed significantly to local and national charities. Working with staff, the school council has instigated initiatives that contribute to the merit system, by which pupils are supporting the learning of their peers.
Supporting pupils with barriers to learning to achieve individual success in an inclusive environment is a strategic priority for the school; underachievement is identified early, and a range of targeted interventions are leading to improved outcomes.
The school places a high priority on mental and physical well-being; the pupils appreciate the opportunities to participate in physical activity and understand its importance for their learning and well-being.
The curriculum, including the enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities, is well-considered, flexible, and responsive to the pupils’ needs, abilities and interests; it enables the pupils to progress and achieve.
Planning, teaching and assessment are key strengths of the school’s provision; the most successful lessons were characterised by a clear structure and good pace, high levels of pupil engagement and enjoyment, and questioning which challenged the pupil’s thinking.
The extensive collaboration across the immediate school community and beyond, has created a culture of mutual support and collective growth; the shared education partnership is valued highly by the school community.
The pupils attain high standards in public examinations. In 2025, almost all of the pupils (91%) in year 12 attained 5 or more GCSE (or equivalent) qualifications at grades A* to C and when English and mathematics are included, most (85%) pupils achieved at this level.
Rigorous processes for self-evaluation are in place and the analysis of an extensive range of evidence, including lesson observations, has led to the identification of appropriate priorities for further development.
At the time of the inspection, the evidence provided by the school demonstrates that the arrangements for child protection align with the current statutory guidance.

Next steps

The school’s vision of Every Child an Important Child is reflected very well in the actions of the school community, the focus on the holistic development of the pupils and the high level of care provided for them. As set out in the school’s current draft school development plan, the next step for Newtownhamilton High School is to take forward the area for action: the further improvement of the quality of learning and teaching, through, in part, staff professional learning and the sharing of effective practice. The District Inspector will monitor the school’s progress in addressing the area for action, as part of ETI’s normal monitoring processes.

The inspection identified an aspect of highly effective practice from which others may learn. The aspect of practice which should be shared more widely is:

the extensive collaboration across the school community and beyond, which has created a strong culture of mutual support and collective growth.