Dover Christ Church Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 June 2026

Pupils are happy and thriving in this welcoming school. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. They attend school regularly and behave well. Staff understand pupils’ needs extremely well. They are highly effective at reducing any barriers to learning and/or wellbeing that pupils may have. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive highly effective support. Pupils who attend the school’s specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND, ‘Aspen 2’, benefit from high-quality care that is precisely matched to their needs. Pupils learn effectively in the school. They enjoy their lessons and the wider opportunities that enrich their learning. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with SEND, participate fully in all aspects of school life. Pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that prepare them well for life in modern Britain. Pupils have not achieved as well as they could in national examinations over time. Currently, pupils are achieving more positively. This is because the quality of teaching has improved and staff are more ambitious about what pupils are capable of achieving. Pupils with SEND, particularly those with the highest level of need, make very positive progress from their starting points. Staff ensure that pupils have the skills and knowledge needed to prepare them for their next steps. Students in the sixth form benefit from a personalised curriculum offer that ensures their readiness for future pathways. As a result, pupils in Year 11 and the sixth form are consistently well prepared for continued education or employment. Staff provide highly effective pastoral care to pupils. They build positive relationships which help pupils to feel a secure sense of belonging. Pupils demonstrate kind and respectful attitudes towards staff and their peers. Pupils understand the importance of treating others equally. Bullying and discrimination happen rarely. Pupils feel safe and are safe.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teaching is of a consistently high quality so that pupils achieve well across the school.

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