Beacon Hill Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 May 2024

Beacon Hill Academy is a school where everyone goes the extra mile for their pupils. As one parent, typical of many others, stated, 'I find the teachers to be dedicated and committed to the pupils succeeding.' Pupils are happy and speak warmly about the many improvements that the school has put in place for them. The school has worked purposefully to raise expectations for what pupils can achieve, and this is reflected in improving published outcomes. There have also been improvements in the range of trips, clubs and activities available. These include visits to the USA, Germany and Africa as well as clubs such as cooking, creative writing, sport and singing. Pupils appreciate these opportunities and make good use of them. Pupils are clear that behaviour is good thanks to the school's well understood expectations. They state that they have confidence in approaching adults if they have concerns. Relationships between pupils and staff reflect a positive and respectful culture. Pupils appreciate that their voice is heard in the improvements that have taken place, for example in wider range of extra-curricular opportunities now available.

What the school should improve

• Although leaders have an effective strategic and coherent approach to the management of attendance, current overall school attendance is below national levels, including absence rates for more vulnerable pupils. This means there remain pupils who miss too much school and learning. The school needs to continue to work closely with parents and external agencies to instil the importance of regular attendance for all pupils.
• Until recently, pupils have not been able to take separate sciences at GCSE and the number of pupils opting to study a language at key stage 4 remains relatively low. This means that the proportion of pupils completing the suite of subjects which makes up the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) remains below the government's national ambition. Leaders should continue with their current plans to introduce separate sciences at GCSE and increase numbers studying languages, so that the EBacc sits at the heart of the curriculum for key stage 4.

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