Kearsley Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

This is a school where nothing happens by accident. Leaders and staff encourage pupils to build confidence and resilience and are quick to reward and praise pupils' work. As a result, pupils enjoy attending this school. They show commitment to their learning and work very hard in their lessons. Pupils are keen to offer answers to questions, discuss issues with each other and value the guidance and support given to them by their teachers. Pupils who are disadvantaged, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with other vulnerabilities benefit from appropriate support to help them learn and progress. Pupils are well prepared to take the next steps in their learning. This is evident in their outcomes in national exams and in the quality of the choices they make for their futures. Pupils involve themselves in all aspects of school life with enthusiasm. They value the support they receive from pastoral staff. Pupils appreciate the welcome they receive to school each morning, setting them up well for learning. They enjoy engaging with visiting speakers and taking part in assemblies. Pupils thrive in the school's culture of praise. They work hard to receive rewards for the positive contributions that they make during lessons and in school life more widely. They think carefully about how to exchange the vouchers they receive in recognition of their efforts. Pupils feel safe in school. They have confidence that staff will respond swiftly to their needs and help if they have problems. Pupils behave impeccably in school. They are ambassadors for the high expectations that staff have of them. Pupils value the friendships they develop in school. Bullying is uncommon and not tolerated. Generally, pupils attend school well and those who have barriers improve their attendance over time.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to improve the attendance of disadvantaged pupils and to reduce levels of persistent absence further for all groups of pupils.
• Leaders should continue to increase the range and quality of the enrichment opportunities that pupils can experience, contributing to pupils' preparation for their next steps.

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