Derby Moor Spencer Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 June 2022

Derby Moor Spencer Academy is a diverse and inclusive school. Many pupils and staff are of the view that everyone is accepted. Students in the sixth form said that the school celebrates differences which gives the school a 'community feel'. Attendance is high. When pupils arrive in the morning, the sound of classical music reminds them to move swiftly to their first lesson. Most pupils enjoy attending the school. They feel safe and happy. Pupils have good relationships with teachers. They receive a good standard of education across the curriculum. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are very well supported. Pupils said that they learn well in their lessons and recognise that teachers help them to achieve. Students in the sixth form benefit from demanding teaching. Occasionally, pupils fall out. Pupils are confident that teachers deal with these issues well. Most pupils said that when bullying occurs, teachers do not tolerate it. When pupils make mistakes, leaders take responsibility to provide extra support and education. Leaders focus on helping pupils aspire for future success. Staff have high expectations of what all pupils can be and achieve. Pupils know that leaders will not give up on them. Leaders' view is: 'Once a Derby Moor pupil, always a Derby Moor pupil.'

What the school should improve

• Teachers in some subjects do not always ensure that activities are well matched to the intended learning. Sometimes these activities are not demanding enough. Pupils do not learn as much as they could. Leaders should ensure that all teachers know how to match activities to the intended learning.

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