Barnet Hill Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 June 2024

The school provides a welcoming and caring environment in which pupils are eager to learn. They get on pleasantly with each other and their teachers. Staff know pupils very well and are quick to sort out any upset or concern. Pupils are safe in school. The school organises a wealth of extra-curricular experiences to broaden pupils' outlook beyond their academic work and the local community. For example, pupils enjoy joint activities with pupils from other local schools such as concerts at a nearby theatre and fund-raising events. On the school's international day, pupils get to try traditional foods from around the world. Pupils cultivate plants and can spend time in quiet reading and reflection in the school's peace garden. Pupils are enthusiastic to take on responsibilities and make a difference to the school and wider community. Pupil subject ambassadors contribute to assemblies and help to give out resources and equipment. The school has made improvements to the quality of the curriculum, reflecting leaders' expectations for pupils' high levels of achievement. Pupils learn well in a wide range of subjects. They achieve highly in reading, writing and mathematics.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, where the school's curriculum is newly introduced, pupils do not have a strong foundation of knowledge and skills on which to build their learning. Where pupils' prior learning is more limited than in other subjects, pupils are less secure to move on to learn more complex concepts. Leaders should continue the rapid implementation of the curriculum to ensure that pupils deepen their learning equally well across all subjects.

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