De Warenne Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

This is a school with high expectations of pupils and staff. Leaders' vision is that every pupil will receive a high-quality education. Staff continually remove barriers to learning so that all pupils, particularly the most disadvantaged, meet their potential. Exemplary standards of inclusion have been maintained over time. Leaders' actions are carefully considered. Decisions are consistently made in the best interests of pupils. Disadvantaged pupils' educational experience has a transformational impact on how well they achieve, attend and behave. Pupils are ambitious for their futures. They encounter a wide range of enrichment opportunities that broaden their horizons. Positive relationships between pupils and staff are pivotal to the success of the school. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are nurtured. Staff know each pupil incredibly well. Pupils are accepting and understanding of each other's differences. They behave very well. Bullying is rare and such incidents are handled well by staff. Pupils enjoy coming to school and attend with increasingly regularity. Leaders ensure that each pupil receives a highly effective classroom experience. Pupils are recognised for their efforts and appreciate the support that staff give them. For example, older pupils benefit from dedicated study skills sessions to which their parents and carers are also invited. Pupils are very well prepared for life beyond school and in modern Britain. Pastoral care at the school is responsive and intelligent. Pupils who might face barriers to their learning or wellbeing are quickly identified and supported. The school ensures that adaptations for pupils with SEND never limit ambitions for them. Some pupils join the school with negative experiences of education or with significant gaps in their learning. Leaders ensure these pupils quickly catch up, are fully included in the wider life of the school and thrive. Many pupils, particularly the most disadvantaged, have achieved highly in many subjects over time. This has a transformational impact on their future aspirations and opportunities.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that their actions continue to have a highly positive impact in all areas of their work, drawing on their experience of the transformational inclusive practice already established at the school.

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