Alec Hunter Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 November 2022

Pupils are happy at Alec Hunter Academy, and most attend well. The school's motto, 'Kindness above all else', is reflected in the relationships between staff and pupils. Parents and pupils say the school is welcoming. Pupils feel safe and bullying is unusual. Pupils are confident that if bullying happens, staff will deal with it well. Pupils generally behave well in lessons and around the school. They meet leaders' high expectations of them. Pupils enjoy lessons, listen to teachers and are keen to learn. They receive effective support from teachers and pastoral leaders. Leaders aim to broaden pupils' horizons and give them better chances in life. Pupils are offered a range of cultural activities. These provide pupils with opportunities to discover more about the world around them. A rich variety of house events, clubs and activities are offered across the curriculum. Pupils have the chance to join in school visits, to places such as Colchester Zoo or Cambridge University, or take part in overseas expeditions. The trips the school offers develop pupils' interests and widen their experiences.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not attend school regularly enough. They miss too much learning and do not achieve as well as they could. Leaders should ensure that their approaches to promoting good attendance result in these pupils attending school regularly.
• Some teachers do not routinely provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to practise and test out their newly learned knowledge. This means some pupils do not remember in enough detail what they have been taught. Leaders should ensure that teachers give pupils regular opportunities to practise their new knowledge to help them to achieve well.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)