What does rapid school improvement really look like in action? At Hornchurch High School, part of the Partnership Learning Trust, Deputy Head Teacher Jas Padda and her team have delivered a striking transformation in a short space of time.
From redefining expectations around behaviour to embedding a deep-rooted coaching culture, the school has seen a remarkable shift. Not just in outcomes, but in the everyday experience of pupils and staff alike.
Step one: Raise expectations across the school
When new leadership stepped in at Hornchurch High in early 2023, their first priority was clear. Raise expectations across the board.
Jas shared how focusing on the fundamentals of behaviour made an immediate and visible difference:
Corridor conduct
Classroom behaviour
Uniform standards
Completion of homework
One standout policy is silent lesson transitions.
This strategy is often debated in education circles, but it was implemented with balance. Pupils now move between lessons calmly, without the need for teacher escorts. It doesn’t feel oppressive. Pupils can still speak with adults in the corridors, which leads to positive interactions. As Jas described it, “This has made a huge difference.”
The result is a calm, purposeful environment where learning can flourish.
The HHS Teaching & Learning Framework breaks down great teaching into clear, accessible language for all staff.
Step two: Build a coaching culture for high-quality teaching
With behaviour secured, the next challenge was to raise the quality and consistency of teaching and learning.
The Hornchurch team approached this with absolute clarity and rigour:
The ‘HHS Teaching & Learning Framework’ provided shared language and clear expectations
Implementation was ongoing and embedded, not just a one-off initiative
Middle leaders received deep training, empowering them to lead improvements in their departments
Contact time was capped at 20 hours per week, giving teachers space to grow
Weekly 1 hour coaching meetings for every teacher
CPDL timetabled into the school day, making professional development a real priority
Fortnightly feedback to every teacher
The HHS Best Practice Directory: a showcase of strengths that staff can observe and learn from
This wasn’t a top-down push. It was a culture shift that made every teacher feel supported, valued and invested in.
The results: A transformed school environment
What’s changed since this new approach began?
✅ The school is calm throughout
✅ Behaviour is excellent
✅ Pupils are engaged in learning
✅ Teaching strategies are consistent and embedded
✅ And most impressively, Progress 8 has jumped to +0.78 in just 18 months
These aren’t surface-level wins. They reflect a relentless focus on behaviour, clarity around great teaching, and a culture where staff are continuously developed, not simply managed.
How ProgressTeaching supports the journey
Throughout this journey, ProgressTeaching has been an essential tool for the leadership team. Jas can now see what’s really happening in classrooms across the school, helping her:
Deputy Head Teacher Jas Padda explains the impact ProgressTeaching has had at Hornchurch High.
✅ Identify pockets of great practice
✅ Provide meaningful, timely feedback to staff
✅ Hold confident, evidence-based conversations with her Head Teacher and governors