'A milestone not a destination'- new Ofsted marks major turnaround for Chorely's Southlands High School

A secondary school in Chorley says it’s new Ofsted report “represents a milestone rather than a destination.”

Southlands High School on Clover Drive was inspected by the educational watchdog on September 22 2026.

The new report was published just yesterday and marks a great improvement for the school, which has been part of Mosaic Learning Trust since December 2018.

Having been rated ‘Requires Improvement’ in its last two reports (published March 2024 and January 2022), inspectors this time around found that Southlands meets the ‘expect standard’ in all areas.

Take a look below at what exactly Ofsted had to say about the school and what the school had to say about its report in turn..

How was Southlands High School graded this time around?

All six categories at the school was given the third highest rating that can be given.

The Ofsted report grades are:

• Achievement: Expected standard (light green)
• Attendance and behaviour: Expected standard (light green)
• Curriculum and teaching: Expected standard (light green)
• Inclusion: Expected standard (light green)
• Leadership and governance: Expected standard (light green)
• Personal development and wellbeing: Expected standard (light green)

What does Southlands High School do particularly well according to Ofsted?

Starting with achievement, inspectors recognised that published data- which shows that Southlands pupils have fallen behind the national average for the past three years- “does not fully reflect the gains that current pupils are making in their learning”.

Leader’s improvements are said to be making a difference: gaps in learning are closing, current pupils apply secure knowledge in different subjects proficiently and pupils are suitably prepared for their next steps which “is reflected in the considerable increase in the proportion of pupils who remain in education and training or gain employment at the end of Year 11“.

Attendance has also improved in recent years and “previously high rates of suspensions and exclusions are reducing markedly”, as leaders “have successfully embedded a culture of high expectations for pupils’ behaviour”.

The curriculum is described as “broad and balanced” whilst teachers “have secure subject knowledge” and “understand pupil’s additional needs.

On that note, Ofsted praised how staff “sustain a positive culture where pupils feel included” and the support provided to disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Inclusion at the school is also referenced in the ‘Personal development and wellbeing category’ with “all pupils, including pupils with SEND, [being] supported to get involved in the full life of the school”, whether that be culltural, civic and creative enrichment opportunities, leadership roles or clubs.

Additionally, pupils benefit from a “comprehensive and relevant personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education programme” as well as “timely individual careers advice”

The report also recognised the contribution of Mosaic Learning Trust in strengthening leadership and creating opportunities for staff to collaborate and learn from colleagues across the trust's schools.

What does Southlands High School need to improve?

In the next steps part of the report, Ofsted mentioned two improvements that could be made in the school’s teaching: first that teachers should “use assessment information consistently well when making decisions about what pupils learn next” and second that they should “provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to use and apply the knowledge that they are learning in lessons”.

Leaders were also asked to “refine their approaches to support pupils to continue to strengthen their attendance” and to ensure they have “a more detailed and insightful understanding of the impact of the school’s work to promote inclusion and pupils’ personal development to further enhance pupils’ experiences”.

What has Southlands High School said about it’s latest Ofsted report?

Southlands headteacher Paul Bousfield said: "What makes me most proud today is the culture that exists across the school. There is a strong sense of purpose among staff, high expectations throughout the building and, most importantly, students who are engaged, ambitious and proud of their school.

"When I arrived, our focus was on creating the conditions for long-term success. We knew improvement wouldn't come from quick fixes. It required a clear vision, consistency and a relentless commitment to ensuring that every young person received the education they deserved.

"The recent Ofsted judgement was an important recognition of that work, but for us it represents a milestone rather than a destination.

"While we are proud of what has been achieved, we are equally excited about what lies ahead. Our ambition remains unchanged. We want every student to experience exceptional teaching, benefit from a rich and ambitious curriculum and leave Southlands fully prepared for the next stage of their lives."

Neil Moore, CEO of Mosaic Learning Trust, said: "The biggest driver of Southlands' improvement has been its people. Paul, his leadership team and staff have combined high expectations with genuine care for young people, working tirelessly to improve behaviour, attendance, teaching and inclusion.

"We are incredibly proud of what the school has achieved. It reflects the strength of the partnership between Southlands and the trust, but the success belongs to the school leaders and staff who have worked so hard to improve outcomes and opportunities for their pupils."

Building on the progress recognised by Ofsted, Southlands adds that it will continue to focus on strengthening teaching, improving attendance and raising achievement, while ensuring pupils benefit from a supportive and inclusive learning environment.