Badger Hill Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 November 2022

Pupils at Badger Hill enjoy learning. They are happy and safe here. Leaders and staff have high expectations both about pupils' behaviour and their achievement. The 'life' curriculum that leaders have created raises pupils' aspirations. They learn about jobs they may be interested to do in the future. This inspires them to work hard. Pupils behave well both in lessons and in the playground. They are kind and considerate to each other. Bullying rarely happens here. Leaders have created a curriculum that is ambitious and challenging. They are determined that pupils will have opportunities to gain knowledge both about the local area and the wider world. Pupils enjoy this. They are keen to share their learning, for example, by contributing to creating a gallery of art in the school. Since joining Northern Education Trust changes have been made to both staffing and the curriculum at Badger Hill. Leaders ensure that pupils' success is at the heart of these changes. Most parents recognise this. However, there is more to do to ensure that all parents understand how the trust and the school work together.

What the school should improve

• Most parents are pleased with the provision for their children. However, a small number of parents express concern about a range of different issues, including communication with the school. Leaders need to strengthen communication with parents so that parental concerns are addressed quickly.
• While curriculum leaders monitor pupils' progress through most subjects, they do not always identify where teachers need more support to implement the curriculum as they intend. This means that some teachers lack sufficient subject knowledge or pedagogical skill to plan lessons that engage and enthuse all learners. Subject leaders need to ensure that all teachers enact their curriculum plans well.

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