Cheslyn Hay Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 April 2026

Cheslyn Hay Academy is a highly inclusive and aspirational school. The ethos of 'be here, be great, be you' is exemplified by pupils and staff as soon as you arrive. Leaders feel morally bound to serve their community and have a positive impact on the lives of the pupils in their care. Pupils feel safe. The school provides a stable and calm environment in which they can flourish. The school's values are embedded, and staff are tireless in providing effective pastoral care. This has a tangible effect on pupils' wellbeing and resilience. An atmosphere of mutual respect fills the school. Pupils generally get along well with each other. They feel able to be themselves, secure in the knowledge that bullying is rare and swiftly resolved. Typically, leaders take effective action to reduce any barriers to learning that pupils may have. This is particularly evident in the positive way in which disadvantaged pupils engage with school and learning. The majority of pupils attend school regularly. They are happy to be here. Students in the sixth form are integrated into the wider life of the school. They act as mentors to younger pupils. There is a comprehensive programme for personal development that all pupils benefit from. This includes house competitions, educational trips, fundraising activities and a wide variety of clubs to develop pupils' interests, such as DT, computing and chess. Many pupils also represent their peers on the school 'senate' group and offer direct opinions on school improvement. Inclusion underpins all aspects of the school's work. Leaders ensure that pupils who face barriers to their learning receive timely, well-targeted support. Teachers address gaps in pupils' knowledge effectively, enabling them to build a secure understanding across subjects. Consequently, most pupils, in most subjects, achieve well, typically reflected in outcomes in national tests.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff consistently use their checks on pupils' learning to adapt their teaching so that pupils deepen their knowledge and skills.
• Leaders should ensure that staff provide precise guidance and feedback to pupils about how to improve their work so that it has a positive impact on their progress across all subjects.

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