Dartmouth Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 April 2023

Pupils feel happy at Dartmouth Academy. They embrace the school's mantra to 'be your best self'. As a small, all-through school, pupils and staff value the strong relationships they have. Pupils join the school at different stages. Leaders support pupils at those different transition points. Pupils say they feel welcomed at the school. Despite the size of the school, leaders ensure there is a broad range of clubs for pupils to have new experiences. Leaders work with the community or other schools to plan events and trips. Leaders check all pupils can make the most of these opportunities. Pupils can learn to sail, and many participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. There are various opportunities for pupil leadership in both phases of the school. For example, primary house captains show their school off to visitors with pride. Leaders are clear about why some outcomes are not as high as they could be. They have taken steps to address this. In lessons, pupils focus on their learning. They are respectful to one another. As a small school, they know one another well.

What the school should improve

• Staff over-support some younger pupils who are in the early stages of learning to read. This leads to a few pupils becoming dependent on the support of staff when they are practising their reading. They have less opportunity to rehearse their reading. These pupils do not secure their reading as quickly as they could. Leaders need to make sure pupils understand the expectations and support doesn't reduce pupils' learning.
• In some subjects at the end of key stage 3, the curriculum is in development. This means the sequencing of the curriculum is not fully in place. As a result, teachers are adapting the curriculum as it moves from a three-year plan to a two- year plan. Leaders need to ensure the curriculum is planned and sequenced so pupils follow an all-through curriculum.

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