Ilsham Church of England Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 September 2023

The school's vision and values are central to the education that pupils receive. Pupils appreciate the opportunities and experiences that they have, which enrich and extend their learning. Links with the local community help pupils to develop in and beyond their academic success, for example offering workplace visits and meaningful rewards for pupils. Pupils have positive attitudes to their learning. They recall their learning across a range of subjects with enthusiasm. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Expectations are modelled clearly. Pupils know they have important roles to play when some of their peers find this more challenging. Pupils are proud to hold roles such as peer mediators and mental health champions. They feel they make a difference, along with the impact made by the school council. Pupils agree that one of the most notable things about the school is the support they get from the school and their friends. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the support provided to pupils. Pupils and their needs are known well. Many parents describe the school as a place their child thoroughly enjoys attending.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not understand how individuals may require different approaches to meet their social, emotional and academic needs. The school does not always maximise on opportunities to address this. This can result in some pupils having a lack of understanding of the diverse world around them. The trust must continue to embed a culture which supports pupils to develop a secure awareness of all differences, including social, emotional and academic differences. This will help pupils to be well- informed, active members of their communities now and in the future.

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