Westborough High School: A Community of Ambition

Westborough High School stands as a central pillar of the Dewsbury community, serving a diverse student body with a clear focus on inclusion and progress. As a Trust school and part of the Dewsbury Learning Trust, it operates with a degree of independence that allows it to tailor its approach to local needs. Led by Headteacher Jennifer Cass since 2013, the school has maintained a steady trajectory, securing a Good rating from Ofsted in June 2022. The school is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation among local families who value its commitment to both academic outcomes and personal development.

Together We Succeed runs the school motto, and this collaborative ethos is evident from the moment students enter the gates on Stockhill Street. The atmosphere is one of purposeful diversity, where students from various backgrounds learn together in a culture of mutual respect.

The school describes itself as a place where "community" is a verb rather than just a noun. Teachers and support staff work intensively to remove barriers to learning, creating an environment that feels supportive rather than high-pressure. The 2022 Ofsted inspection highlighted the "welcoming and inclusive culture," noting that pupils feel safe and that relationships between staff and students are positive.

Facilities have evolved to meet modern demands. While the red-brick exterior nods to the area's history, the interior includes dedicated spaces for the arts and technology. The school’s partnership with the Dewsbury Learning Trust brings additional expertise and connections, particularly with the University of Huddersfield and Kirklees College, enriching the educational experience beyond the standard curriculum.

In 2024, Westborough High School achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.17. This positive figure indicates that students here make above-average progress from their starting points compared to their peers across England. For parents, this is a crucial metric; it suggests the school adds value to every child, regardless of their prior attainment.

Raw attainment is solid given the inclusive intake. The average Attainment 8 score was 42.4. While this is slightly below the England average of 45.9, the strong progress score demonstrates effective teaching. The school ranks 2,596th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and sits 5th among secondary schools in the local area.

Performance sits in the national typical band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). The percentage of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics was 10.7%, while the focus remains heavily on ensuring every student secures the qualifications needed for their next steps.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. In Key Stage 3, students follow a wide range of subjects to build cultural capital and core skills. The school places a heavy emphasis on literacy, recognising that reading is the master key to the rest of the curriculum.

By Key Stage 4, pathways are personalised. Students can choose from a variety of GCSEs and vocational qualifications, ensuring that the academic route is not the only measure of success. Creative subjects such as Art and Drama are valued alongside the core EBacc subjects.

Teachers are credited with knowing their students well. Lessons are structured to build confidence, with regular checks on learning to ensure no one is left behind. The school also utilises its Trust partnerships to bring in external expertise, giving students access to workshops and lectures that might otherwise be unavailable.

Westborough is an 11-16 school, meaning there is no sixth form on-site. This allows the school to focus entirely on the main secondary phase without the distraction of A-level provision.

Transition support is robust. The majority of students progress to local further education providers. Greenhead College and New College Kirklees are popular destinations for those pursuing A-levels, while Kirklees College attracts students seeking vocational and technical training.

The careers programme is a strength. Students receive impartial advice from Year 7 onwards, with intensive support in Year 11 to ensure every leaver has a secured destination. The school’s strong links with post-16 providers ensure the move to college is seamless.

Admissions are coordinated by Kirklees Council. The school is significantly oversubscribed; in 2024, there were 369 applications for 187 places, resulting in a ratio of nearly 2 applications per place.

The Published Admission Number (PAN) is typically 180. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, followed by those with siblings at the school, and then by distance.

The last distance offered varies annually based on the applicant pool. Families living outside the immediate area should be realistic about their chances. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is organised around year groups, with dedicated Heads of Year who provide continuity as students move up the school. This structure ensures that families have a consistent point of contact.

The school prides itself on its "Team Westborough" approach. Behaviour is managed through a system of clear expectations and restorative practice. Ofsted inspectors noted that bullying is rare and dealt with effectively when it occurs.

Student leadership is encouraged. From the School Council to subject ambassadors, students are given a voice in how the school is run. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility that contributes to the calm atmosphere.

The extracurricular programme is designed to ignite new interests. Clubs range from the traditional to the creative. Sport is well-represented, with teams competing in local leagues for football, cricket, and netball.

The arts are a particular strength. Students have opportunities to participate in drama productions and music performances, often supported by visiting professionals from partner institutions. The Art department is vibrant, with student work frequently displayed to celebrate achievement.

Trips and visits are regular features of the calendar. Whether it is a geography field trip or a visit to a university campus, these experiences are designed to raise aspirations and show students the opportunities available to them.

School opens to students at 8:30am, with registration at 8:40am. The day concludes at 3:10pm. The school is located near Dewsbury town centre, making it easily accessible by public transport.

Uniform is strictly enforced to promote a sense of professional pride. It consists of a black blazer with the school logo, white shirt, and black trousers or skirt.

No Sixth Form. Students must move to a new institution at 16. While this offers a fresh start, families seeking an all-through 11-18 experience should consider whether they prefer a school with an attached sixth form.

Oversubscription. With two applications for every place, entry is competitive. Families must be accurate with their application and have a backup plan if they live on the edge of the catchment area.

Urban Context. The school is in a busy town location. While facilities are good, it does not have the extensive green fields of some semi-rural schools.

Westborough High School is a community school in the truest sense. It serves its diverse intake with care, ambition, and a commitment to progress. Strong leadership and a supportive ethos make it a place where students feel safe to learn and grow. Best suited to families in Dewsbury who value inclusivity and want a school that adds real value to their child's education. The main challenge is securing a place.