Gloucester Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 November 2024

The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour and what they can achieve. Much has changed at the school since it joined the trust. Pupils learn more effectively than before, they achieve more highly and they feel safe. The majority of pupils appreciate that their learning takes place without disruption. The number of pupils who meet the school's expectations is markedly increasing, but a minority still find this difficult. The school's curriculum is delivered well. Pupils know what is expected of them because there is a consistent approach across all subjects. This helps them to build knowledge over time and work with increasing independence. The majority of pupils enjoy reading with their teachers in the mornings and the opportunities this provides for them to learn about topical and challenging issues. The school provides an extensive range of activities and support to develop pupils' character and resilience. This is central to the school's ethos. Many pupils come to school early to play sports or complete work, reflecting its highly ambitious vision. All pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, take part in the school's high-quality enrichment programme. Pupils enjoy the wide range of trips on offer, including visits abroad.

What the school should improve

• In a few areas, the work given to pupils does not enable them to develop a deep understanding of the content they are learning. This means that there are occasions when pupils are not given tasks to extend their thinking or learn in sufficient depth when they complete initial activities. Some do not talk about their learning with the confidence and vocabulary needed. The trust should ensure that work given to pupils meets their needs so that they develop a deep knowledge of their subjects over time.
• The school's enhanced pastoral support programme has only been in place for a short time. It has not had the desired impact on improving the behaviour of a minority of pupils. This means those pupils miss important learning and wider development through suspension or lesson removals. The trust should sharpen its focus on reducing suspensions and removals from lessons so that all pupils access a good quality of education.

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