Longley Park Sixth Form Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 October 2024

Leaders and staff are aspirational for their students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have low prior attainment, to achieve well at the academy. Staff skilfully equip students with the academic and life skills needed to be successful. As a result, a high proportion of students progress to higher education, many of whom having not considered this as an option at the start of their course. Students make positive progress from their starting points and achieve very well. Leaders and managers have implemented effective changes to the curriculum which have resulted in an increase in the proportion of high-grade achievements across a number of curriculum areas. In GCSE English, students successfully develop the key skills and knowledge that they need for their qualification and further studies. They can fluently compare texts and analyse and synthesise information about theme, place, character and plot. Staff teach an ambitious and challenging curriculum for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and high needs. They have a strong focus on helping students work towards achieving high grades. Students with SEND are supported with the educational, emotional and social strategies that they need to access the curriculum and make at least expected progress in line with their peers and, in some instances, better. Students benefit from useful careers education, advice and guidance prior to starting and throughout their time at the academy. Staff provide a wide range of activities for students, including interactions with higher education institutions and employers. This enables students, and their parents and carers, to make informed and supported decisions about their future aspirations. Students benefit from visits by external speakers from many organisations, including the NHS, the police and local social services teams, to help them consider their next steps and to experience the world of work.

What the school should improve

• Further enhance the implementation of the curriculum so that students benefit from a consistently very high quality of education.

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