Cecil Jones Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 September 2023

Pupils and sixth-form students at Cecil Jones Academy are enthusiastic and engaged learners. They want to do well in their studies. Most rise to staff's high expectations for achievement and conduct. Pupils, like staff, will not put up with 'any nonsense'. They call out disrespectful behaviour. Pupils value others for who they are. They respect each other regardless of beliefs or background. Pupils appreciate staff's efforts to look after them. They know that they care. Many commented that staff frequently 'go the extra mile'. Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum. Lessons are purposeful and interesting. Pupils like to debate and express their opinions. Pupils look forward to the 'daily dilemmas' in tutor time as they get to learn about life through various scenarios. They also enjoy making a difference to their community. There are many opportunities to contribute. This may be through joining the youth parliament, creating personal protective equipment for care homes or reading to local children. Sixth-form students, like their younger peers, have high aspirations. Increasing numbers of students are gaining places at university. Most go on to the next stage of education, employment or training. Students appreciate the opportunity to undertake work experience. This recently restarted after stopping during the pandemic.

What the school should improve

• At times, teachers do not adapt learning to meet the individual needs of pupils, including those pupils with SEND and those who are learning English, as well as they could. This means that some pupils do not have a consistent learning experience to enable them to be as successful as they could be. The trust should ensure that staff consistently support the range of needs in their classes so that pupils achieve well.
• Suspensions for a small group of pupils in key stage 4 are still high. This interrupts their learning and their progression through the curriculum. The trust should continue with its efforts to improve pupils' behaviours for learning so that they are ready to learn and are engaged in lessons regardless of who is teaching them.

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