Glendinning Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

Staff at Glendinning create an atmosphere that is calm and productive. Pupils get the care and support they need to overcome challenges. Staff have high expectations for every pupil and, as a result, pupils achieve well. Pupils' behaviour is good. They understand the school's values and know the difference between right and wrong. Pupils accept each other's differences and comment, 'At this school there is a celebration of autism, staff understand us, it is part of who we are.' Pupils are happy. They enjoy warm relationships with staff. Pupils have a strong sense of belonging, which helps them feel safe and well cared for. As a result, they attend school regularly. Pupils actively participate in the wider opportunities on offer. These help to develop pupils' skills and confidence in many areas, such as outdoor education, music and sports. Pupils take part in these activities regularly, firm favourites being paddle boarding and other water sports. Through these and other activities, pupils develop their independence and social skills, which prepares them for their future destinations.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not established systems of assessment that clearly show what key knowledge pupils remember in some subjects. Therefore, pupils' recall of prior learning is inconsistent. Leaders need to ensure that staff use assessment effectively to check what pupils know and remember across all subjects.
• Some parents expressed concerns about the number of staffing changes and the impact this has had on their child's education. Some parents do not think their child is achieving as well as they should. Leaders need to build on the work that has already started to strengthen links with parents so that any concerns raised are dealt with quickly.

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