Folkestone Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Pupils feel safe, well supported and cared for at Folkestone Academy. Leaders have created an environment where pupils feel like they belong. This includes pupils who are disadvantaged, those who speak English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils get along with each other and have positive relationships with staff. Staff have high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Most pupils live up to these expectations. They move sensibly around school corridors and are punctual to lessons. In lessons, pupils are generally attentive and keen to learn. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur staff deal with them swiftly. Attendance has improved and pupils, including the most vulnerable, now attend regularly. Pupils have access to an engaging and ambitious curriculum. They typically enjoy lessons. Staff understand where pupils may have barriers to their learning. This includes disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND. These pupils receive well-tailored support. For example, pupils who may be new to speaking English receive high-quality support for their language and vocabulary development. Pupils benefit from teachers who use clear explanations and examples to help them understand new ideas. Pupils are benefiting from improvements in the quality of the curriculum and teaching. However, outcomes at the end of key stage 4 show that pupils have not achieved highly over time. A wide range of activities provide pupils with a broad set of experiences beyond the curriculum. For instance, pupils explore their talents and interests at photography, netball, cookery, dance, martial arts, and bracelet clubs. Pupils who act as eco-ambassadors teach other pupils to make positive choices about energy use and recycling. Pupils can develop their presenting skills in the Turner Schools Radio booth. The 'Turner 25' enrichment programme ensures that disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND participate fully in a range of cultural and creative opportunities.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to ensure that highly effective teaching is fully and securely embedded across all subjects and year groups, so that pupils achieve consistently well at the end of key stage 4.
• Leaders should continue to embed the culture of high expectations with regard to pupils’ attitudes to learning so they consistently show self-discipline and dedication to their learning.

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