Longfield Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 October 2024

Longfield Academy has undergone significant change for the better. The culture is now one where pupils are happy, kind and friendly. Their interactions with adults and other pupils are respectful. Pupils have benefited from raised expectations of what they can achieve. In lessons pupils listen carefully and produce work to expected standards. Pupils understand that other people may have different views or beliefs. Routines are now clearly understood and followed. These support all pupils to behave well. Staff and pupils report how much better behaviour now is and this can be seen in the orderly, calm school environment. Pupils move around the school well, quickly following staff instructions. On occasions when some pupils fail to meet these high standards, they are supported to reflect and improve. Pupils enjoy social time, where they continue to meet the school's high behavioural expectations. Pupils are encouraged to contribute to the life of the school through earning 'pledges'. Many pupils are aspirational to achieve these, and most pupils earn several pledges each year. These are for activities such as being on the school council or becoming a peer reader. Pupils also benefit from a carefully planned programme of enrichment experiences. Opportunities range from overseas visits to art and sports clubs.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes the curriculum is not implemented well enough. As a result, some pupils have experienced gaps in their knowledge and not made as much progress in the curriculum as they could, including in examination outcomes. The school should continue to support staff in developing the curriculum knowledge and pedagogy to implement the curriculum effectively.
• School leaders have not ensured that the curriculum offered by the provider reflects the expectation of the curriculum offered for those individuals in school. This is because leaders have not communicated effectively with the provider about the learning pupils need to acquire. This means that some pupils do not learn the important knowledge and skills that they need for future success. Leaders should ensure that they communicate more effectively with staff at the alternative providers so that they have clear oversight of exactly what pupils are studying.
• Some pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, do not attend school regularly enough. As a result, they do not benefit from the curriculum and wider experiences offered by the school. The school should continue its work to ensure that all pupils have high rates of attendance.

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