Essa Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

The school provides a caring and supportive environment. Improving pupils’ life chances is at the heart of everyone’s work. Staff work effectively to remove barriers to learning for vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, achieve highly in national examinations. They are very well supported and benefit from high-quality careers advice. Pupils leave school well prepared for their next steps. The school celebrates and embraces diversity within the school community. This gives pupils a strong sense of belonging. Pupils are proud to speak about their school. They feel safe and look after one another. Pupils’ attendance is high. They love coming to school. Pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour. The school is a calm and orderly place where pupils move around the building purposefully and with maturity. Pupils have extremely positive relationships with their teachers. They are polite and courteous. Bullying is uncommon. On the rare occasions it occurs, pupils are confident that staff will resolve it quickly. Pupils are eager to interact with staff, contributing to a culture of mutual support. They enjoy learning and are highly motivated. They engage respectfully, contribute positively to discussions and show well-developed moral and social awareness. Pupils enjoy a wealth of trips and visits, including to theatres, museums and football stadiums. They connect with their community by, for example, visiting the mayor's office and fundraising for local charities. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with SEND, benefit from activities that enrich their learning, such as learning to play a musical instrument. They enjoy a wealth of sports and activities, including participation in the National Citizenship Service, the Combined Cadet Force and being school councillors. These activities are very effective in developing pupils' personal, social and leadership skills. This prepares them well for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas. They should seek continued improvement, overcoming barriers and challenges, in order to drive a transformational impact for all pupils.

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