Arena Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 November 2024

Since the previous inspection, the school has significantly improved. It has high expectations of achievement for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This is not yet shown in recent outcomes for national tests. However, improvements to the curriculum show stronger impact on what current pupils know and remember. Pupils recognise the improvements that have taken place. Pupils are polite, considerate and respectful. They are familiar with the school's values of collaboration, opportunity, respect and excellence. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm. Pupils say they feel safe at school. Attendance to school is now much better. Behaviour has also improved significantly. Suspensions have reduced considerably. Pupils respond to the school's high expectations and learn to make positive choices in their conduct. As a result, they behave well in lessons and conduct themselves in an orderly and calm manner around school. In lessons, pupils are attentive and focus on their learning. Pupils are very proud of the school's diverse community. They appreciate the efforts to make a curriculum that reflects their heritage and background. The family feel of the school is strong. Pupils feel that staff listen to their needs and look to make changes as appropriate.

What the school should improve

• In some lessons, assessment is not used effectively to gain a clear picture of what pupils know and understand. Where this is the case, teachers are not able to address misconceptions or gaps in knowledge. This means that, for some pupils, their progress through the curriculum is restricted. The school should ensure that current strategies are embedded to gain consistency in lessons so that pupils are able to build strong knowledge and understanding.

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