Harris Academy Purley

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 February 2023

Pupils at Harris Academy Purley belong to a diverse and inclusive school. They show respect to each other and to staff. Leaders have high aspirations for pupils. They help pupils overcome whatever challenges they may face. They want all pupils to achieve success, both in their education and in their future lives. Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Pupils meet these expectations most of the time. They show positive attitudes to their learning. They listen to their teachers and work hard in lessons. Indeed, many pupils show a desire to succeed and teachers help them to do so. Pupils behave well. This is a calm and orderly school. Leaders do not tolerate any form of discrimination. Bullying is rare. When it does happen, leaders deal with it effectively. Pupils socialise happily with each other at break and lunchtimes. They are safe here. Leaders provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. These include sporting activities, music and drama. Leaders have also established a programme of trips and visits. Pupils go to residential activity centres and places of cultural interest.

What the school should improve

• Some teachers do not provide pupils with sufficient time to apply new learning, either through independent or collaborative work. They move on to the next stage of learning too quickly without checking systematically that pupils are ready to do so. This means that some pupils have gaps in their knowledge and find it hard to build up their knowledge in a logical, coherent way. Leaders should ensure that teachers receive the training they need to secure pupils' knowledge and understanding in the long term.

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