Austin Farm Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 July 2023

Pupils are at the heart of this nurturing and cohesive school. The values of 'proud, resilient and respectful' permeate all aspects of school life. Leaders have high expectations. Parents are extremely positive about the education their children receive. One commented, 'My child thrives at this school. Staff know my child. We know what he is learning and how to support him.' Parents appreciate the continued work of the headteacher in bringing about further improvement. Pupils like coming to school. They show this in their improving attendance rates. Pupils feel safe. They have a good understanding of right and wrong. Pupils show high levels of respect for staff and each other. They talk of adults being good role models in demonstrating positive attitudes and care towards others. Pupils behave well in lessons. They socialise together across age groups. Pupils talk enthusiastically about the opportunities the school provides for them to develop their individuality, confidence and resilience. They see everyone as equal. Pupils enjoy taking on areas of responsibility, such as representing their peers on the school council. Staff encourage them to be proud of their achievements.

What the school should improve

• Some subjects in the wider curriculum are at different developmental stages. As a result, not all pupils can recall their prior learning well enough. Leaders need to ensure that all subjects are designed to enable pupils to know more and remember more over time.
• Staff do not always use assessment information precisely enough to check what pupils understand. As a result, pupils have gaps in some subject-specific knowledge. Leaders need to ensure that teachers accurately check what pupils remember and understand, including pupils with SEND, so they can assure themselves that pupils are securing all the essential knowledge they intend pupils to know.

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