London Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

Leaders, governors and staff realise the school's vision and ensure that all pupils succeed. Pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve strongly across the school. Pupils benefit from a strong academic curriculum and high-quality teaching. This quality continues, as students in the sixth form receive an excellent education and are proud ambassadors of the school. They help younger pupils to feel welcome here. Pupils enjoy attending, and are safe and thrive in the school's caring environment. They show exemplary behaviour and attitudes to learning. Pupils are kind and courteous to each other. Leaders encourage pupils to realise the values of the school. The personal development of pupils is exceptional. The 'LA7' ensures that all pupils receive a rich entitlement and weekly enrichment opportunities. For example, leaders make sure all pupils visit the theatre. Children in the early years provision receive a good start to their education. They play and cooperate well. In the primary phase, pupils learn well across the majority of subjects. In the early years, children grow in confidence, so they are ready for Year 1. Leaders have taken steps to promote an ambitious curriculum. These actions lead to pupils achieving very well in national examinations and tests.

What the school should improve

• On occasion, in the primary phase, teaching does not check carefully that pupils have secure knowledge of essential subject content in some foundation subjects. Some pupils struggle to remember previous learning and do not have secure knowledge and understanding. The school should ensure that the curriculum is consistently implemented as planned and that teachers use formative assessment effectively in all subjects to pick up and address gaps in pupils' knowledge.
• In the early years, sometimes, teaching does not consolidate or extend children's deeper understanding. This limits some children's knowledge and skills, including acquiring new vocabulary. The school should ensure that the intended curriculum is consistently implemented throughout the early years, developing children's core knowledge of vocabulary and skills precisely.

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