Belfairs Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 April 2026

This is a warm and friendly school where pupils are confident learners. They are eager to try something new, such as setting up their own bands or taking part in the many clubs on offer. College captains are integral to the smooth running of extracurricular events, such as charity week. Sixth-form students willingly give their time to help younger pupils. Pupils are happy to undertake leadership roles, such as ambassador for their class. They also contribute to the local community through the youth parliament. Such activities enable pupils to experience success outside of academia as well as develop teamwork skills. Pupils behave well. They enjoy respectful relationships with staff and each other. They know that staff will always have a listening ear should they need help or support. They feel safe in an environment that takes bullying, including that online, seriously. Pupils know the harm that bullying can cause and are proactive in their stance that it should not happen. For example, they report quickly when they see unkind behaviour. Pupils appreciate and celebrate difference. While pupils typically want to do well at school, some do not achieve as well as they should. This is because the support they receive in class may be variable. This is particularly the case if a pupil needs help with reading, writing or calculating number. However, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive bespoke support that is helpful for their specific needs. In the sixth form, students sometimes receive insufficient stretch and challenge in their learning. This limits their ability to attain the highest grades. Over time, students' achievement in A levels has been weaker than that seen nationally, although in applied vocational courses it has been better.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to implement their plans with regard to improving the provision for pupils who require support with early reading, literacy and numeracy so that they can access the full curriculum and achieve well.
• Leaders should improve outcomes in A level in the sixth form through strengthening the curriculum and its delivery.
• Leaders should continue to improve attendance so that pupils make the most of their education and opportunities afforded to them.
• The trust should address, with rigour, the deficiencies in governance so that their monitoring and evaluation of actions for school improvement is sharper, enabling them to hold school leaders effectively to account.

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