Netherhall Learning Campus High School: Success for All

Located in the Rawthorpe area of Huddersfield, Netherhall Learning Campus High School operates as the secondary phase of a unique "all-through" federation. Unlike a standalone secondary, it sits at the heart of a campus catering for ages 3 to 19, sharing its site with a junior school, an infant school, and the specialist Creative & Media Studio School. This structure defines its character: a community-focused institution where transitions are seamless and staff often know families for decades.

The school serves a diverse catchment in Kirklees, guided by the campus-wide motto "Success for All". Led by Head of School Mrs Heather Johnson, working alongside Campus Principal Mr Michael Kent, the school prides itself on inclusivity. While the May 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the school as Requires Improvement, acknowledging the work still to be done on consistency, the campus remains a hub of activity, particularly renowned for its creative facilities and sports provision.

The physical environment feels distinct from a typical secondary school. The campus layout creates a village-like atmosphere, bustling with students of different ages. The presence of the Creative & Media Studio School on the same site injects a visible arts-focused energy; displays are vibrant, and the facilities for performance and media are superior to those found in standard comprehensive schools.

The school ethos is built on three core values: Ready, Resilient, and Respectful. These are not abstract concepts but are woven into the daily behaviour policy and the "Success for All" vision. The atmosphere is grounded and unpretentious, reflecting the grit and warmth of the local Huddersfield community. Students describe a supportive environment where relationships with staff are strong, aided by the long-term connections fostered through the primary-to-secondary campus pathway.

In 2024, the school's academic metrics reflect a mixed picture typical of a school in transition. The Attainment 8 score of 39.3 places the school in the national lower band, indicating that average grades are lower than the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.09 suggests that students make progress broadly in line with expectations given their starting points, though slightly below the national average.

The school ranks 3401st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While overall attainment trails national figures, there are pockets of success. At A-level, the school (incorporating the sixth form provision) ranks 1934th in England. Notably, 33.8% of A-level grades were A*-B in 2024, demonstrating that for the most academic students, top university pathways remain open.

The curriculum is broad and designed to meet the needs of a comprehensive intake. Key Stage 3 covers the full national curriculum, with a notable emphasis on creative subjects and physical education, supported by the campus's specialist facilities.

The May 2024 Ofsted report identified that while the curriculum is ambitious, the delivery can be inconsistent. In some lessons, teachers present information clearly and check understanding rigorously; in others, gaps in students' knowledge are not addressed quickly enough. Leaders have introduced new planning structures to ensure knowledge builds logically over time, particularly in core subjects like mathematics and English.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a key focus. The school's "Additional Resourced Provision" supports students with complex needs, integrating them into the life of the school while providing specialist care.

Despite the challenges in headline attainment data, the school cultivates strong aspirations. In 2024, 62% of leavers progressed to university, a figure that compares favourably with similar schools locally. This suggests a strong culture of encouraging higher education.

A further 6% of students moved into further education colleges, and 3% secured apprenticeships. The on-site sixth form and the Creative & Media Studio School offer immediate progression routes for Year 11 students, meaning many choose to stay within the familiar campus environment to pursue A-levels or vocational creative qualifications.

Admission to Year 7 is coordinated by Kirklees Council. The school is a popular choice for local families and is frequently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, 222 applications were received for 129 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.7 applications per place.

The oversubscription criteria give priority to looked-after children and those with specific medical or social needs. Following this, priority is assigned to children living in the school's priority admission area (PAA)—covering Rawthorpe, Dalton, and Moldgreen—and those with siblings already attending the school. The "all-through" nature of the campus means many places are taken by students moving up from the on-site junior school.

The pastoral system is organised by year group, with Heads of Year providing the first line of support. The continuity of the campus model is a significant advantage here; pastoral records and relationships often transition smoothly from the junior school, meaning vulnerable students are identified and supported from day one.

Wellbeing is taken seriously, with a dedicated team of non-teaching pastoral staff available to support students with emotional or social difficulties. The school promotes "The Netherhall Way", a code of conduct that emphasises mutual respect and readiness to learn.

The extracurricular life of the school is a major strength, bolstered by facilities that exceed the norm. The Netherhall Sports Centre is on-site, providing students with access to a swimming pool, a large sports hall, and a fitness suite. Swimming clubs and competitive sports teams are popular, and the school punches above its weight in local leagues.

The creative arts are equally well-served. Students can join drama clubs, dance troupes, and art societies, often utilising the professional-grade studios shared with the Studio School. Regular showcases and an annual production are highlights of the school calendar.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:10pm. The campus is located on Netherhall Avenue, Rawthorpe, approximately two miles from Huddersfield town centre. Frequent bus services connect the school to the wider Kirklees area. Wraparound care is not formally provided for high school students, though the library and breakfast clubs offer safe spaces before and after school.

Ofsted Rating: The school was rated Requires Improvement in May 2024. While the report noted that leaders are taking effective action and that pupil behaviour has improved, the school is still on a journey to ensure consistent quality in education.

Academic Consistency: With GCSE attainment in the lower national band, parents of highly academic children will need to ensure their child is sufficiently challenged, particularly in mixed-ability classes.

Complex Site: The campus environment is busy and large, shared with younger children and older students. While this creates a community feel, it can be overwhelming for students who prefer a smaller, quieter setting.

Netherhall Learning Campus High School offers a community-centred education with facilities for sport and the arts that are the envy of many. The "all-through" campus model provides a unique sense of stability and belonging. Best suited to local families who value this continuity and the creative opportunities on offer, and who are willing to support the school as it works to raise academic consistency. The main challenge is securing a place in this oversubscribed local hub.