Don Valley Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 July 2024

Pupils achieve well at this school. The rich and broad curriculum prepares them effectively for life beyond school. Success is celebrated. The inspection coincided with a very well- attended awards evening to celebrate pupils' effort and hard work. School and trust leaders have an unwavering ambition for pupils and the local community. They are successful in unlocking the potential in pupils. Behaviour in the school is calm and purposeful. Pupils are friendly and welcoming. Pupils are safe and feel safe here. Lessons proceed with pace and purpose. The majority of pupils behave above and beyond the expectations of the school behaviour policy. On the occasions when some pupils fail to meet this standard, they are supported to reflect and improve. Pupils benefit from a carefully planned programme of wider experiences. This is called 'the life of a student'. Enrichment opportunities range from a pantomime trip to alpaca walking and escape rooms. The careers education programme particularly stands out. The school plans this programme with care to ensure pupils get the right experience and advice at exactly the right time. Every opportunity is taken, whenever any visitors are in school, to showcase different jobs and careers. Mock interviews, money management and university visits all contribute to pupils' understanding of their future potential.

What the school should improve

• Suspensions from school are falling rapidly as a result of leaders' actions to improve standards of behaviour. Continuing this work is important, as historically the number of suspensions has been higher than the national average. Leaders should continue to reduce the number of suspensions, while maintaining overall standards of behaviour, so that all pupils benefit fully from the school's curriculum.

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