Fairfield Spencer Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 April 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to this happy and vibrant school. As a result, pupils attend regularly. They arrive with smiles and are greeted warmly by all staff. Pupils walk calmly around the school and soon settle into the daily routine. When pupils occasionally stray from the school's values, staff are quick to remind them of the high expectations. As a result, pupils behave well. Recent new leadership has further developed a deep sense of unity within the school. The recent introduction of the school's new values, SPARK (self-belief, pride, aspiration, responsibility and kindness) has been a welcome addition. Parents and pupils talk with enthusiasm about how the values guide behaviours and relationships. As one pupil stated, typical of many: 'This school helps us ignite our spark.' Pupils typically achieve well in national tests. Carefully chosen, and designed, learning activities make learning enjoyable. Pupils generally focus well and work hard. Leaders make sure that teachers have the knowledge they need to enable pupils to succeed in their learning. Leaders quickly identify pupils who do not achieve as well as they could, including those who face barriers to their learning, and support them to develop their knowledge and skills. This means that most pupils are well prepared for their next steps. Pupils are happy here and they feel safe due to the school's nurturing culture, particularly pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who may be disadvantaged. Pupils feel cared for. Pupils say the school creates a 'real sense of belonging'. Pupils appreciate the role they have in improving the school. Learning ambassadors help make lunchtimes enjoyable and active. Reading champions support younger pupils and promote reading well. Litter pickers help in the local area effectively. As a result of these, and other, activities the school has established itself as having a real sense of community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that all teachers have the skills and knowledge to adapt the learning appropriately so that all pupils needs are met and any gaps in pupils' knowledge are addressed.
• Leaders should further refine their expectations so that all teachers consistently check pupils understanding and recall of the most important information, across the wider curriculum and foundation subjects.

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