Links Hatfield Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 March 2024

Pupils who attend regularly do well and make good progress with their learning. The school is aspirational for what pupils can achieve. It offers a full academic curriculum. This is enhanced by specialist facilities, for example for design technology and sports. Many pupils want to come to school for the first time in some years. Pupils are highly complimentary about the school, saying that it 'goes above and beyond', helping them in their home lives as well as at school. Parents say the same, noting how the school is flexible and meets the needs of their children. These opinions demonstrate how positive relationships are between pupils and the staff. Pupils know and appreciate that school keeps them safe. Pupils are taught about issues such as consent and avoiding gang and knife crime. Pupils are reflective about these matters and produce work, such as art and raps, expressing their feelings. The school works closely with external agencies to get pupils the help they need when they have difficulties in their lives. If pupils are rude or aggressive, the school deals with this appropriately, making sure the rest of the school is not disrupted. As a result, the school is a calm and happy place, supporting pupils to be ready to learn.

What the school should improve

• The school does not yet have a strong culture of reading. Pupils read in lessons, but not for interest or pleasure. This hinders their appreciation of books and further knowledge of the world around them. The school needs to find ways to engage pupils in reading more widely and often to broaden their horizons.
• Attendance for some pupils is too low. Pupils miss out on learning when they are not attending school. The school needs to consider further strategies to support the attendance of pupils who are frequently absent so that they benefit from the good quality of education that the school provides.

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