Crispin School Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 May 2023

Crispin School Academy is warm and welcoming. Pupils form strong relationships with staff. They are known as individuals. Pupils experience a broad and interesting curriculum that prepares them well for their next steps. Leaders are aspirational for what pupils can achieve. The majority of pupils have positive attitudes to their learning. They are keen to do well and demonstrate the school's values of aspiration, compassion and excellence. However, a minority of pupils do not always meet the high expectations of leaders. Pupils agree that bullying, and the use of derogatory language, is rare. Staff talk about it often to raise pupils' awareness. Pupils say that they report any incidents and that staff take quick action. Leaders are passionate about providing pupils with a rich set of experiences during their school life. For example, pupils go on residential trips and educational visits. These develop their confidence and support their understanding of the curriculum. Opportunities for pupils to be leaders or to make their views heard are plentiful. Head pupils are exceptionally proud to represent the school. They lead a team of their peers to work with senior leaders to bring about change.

What the school should improve

• Teachers' use of assessment does not always check pupils' understanding of the curriculum carefully enough. As a result, pupils develop misconceptions, which hinders the build-up of knowledge over time. Leaders should ensure that assessment is used effectively in all subjects so that pupils are supported to remember key knowledge.
• A minority of pupils do not show positive attitudes towards their learning. Some staff, parents and pupils are concerned about the impact this has on other pupils' learning. Leaders must support all pupils to develop positive attitudes to their learning.

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