Liberty Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 April 2024

The atmosphere in lessons at Archbishop Sentamu Academy is routinely calm and relationships between pupils and staff are positive. However, during break and lunch times, too many pupils do not follow staff instructions or make their way to lessons promptly. Attendance for a significant number of pupils, including in the sixth form, is too low. Pupils recognise that behaviour is improving. Derogatory language, though still heard, is now becoming less frequent. Pupils have been given a prominent voice through the student council and other groups. This is helping pupils to feel they have a say in how the school develops. Pupils feel safe in school and are confident that they can speak to staff if they are worried about something. There has been strong development of the school vision of 'living the best life possible'. This is closely linked to the school's Christian ethos. Leaders' focus on developing consistent experiences in lessons is helping pupils to access an improving curriculum. Pupils understanding of protected characteristics is well developed. There remains work to do to ensure that pupils are ready for the next steps they will take after leaving Archbishop Sentamu Academy.

What the school should improve

• Pupils' ability to work independently and assimilate what they have learned is underdeveloped. This means that outcomes for pupils are weak. Leaders should ensure that they embed appropriate teaching and learning strategies to help pupils recall what they have learned independently.
• Provision for some aspects of personal development is not consistent. Pupils' understanding of careers and fundamental British values is underdeveloped as a result. Leaders should embed strategies to broaden the provision in these areas so that it matches the offer in other areas of personal development.
• Pupils do not routinely follow staff instructions at social and unstructured times. Poor language is used between some pupils at these times. This has a negative impact on the relationships between some pupils and between pupils and staff. Leaders should ensure that they continue to consider ways in which they can encourage and support good behaviour at unstructured times so that standards of behaviour at these times mirrors that seen in lessons.
• A significant minority of pupils miss important learning because of low attendance and poor punctuality. This means they are unable to take advantage of the improving curriculum offer. Leaders should continue to develop systems to improve attendance and punctuality to lessons.

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