Mary Astell Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 September 2024

Pupils join Mary Astell Academy after a permanent exclusion or if they need time away from mainstream school. The school works to re-engage pupils with positive school routines. Leaders have created a purposeful school environment. Pupils who attend full time, learn in key stages. Each key stage learns in a separate part of the school building. Pupils on temporary placements learn in their own dedicated area. This helps pupils to settle into familiar age-appropriate learning spaces. Many pupils attending the school have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Some pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Pupils access personalised support in 'The Hub'. This is a therapeutic space where pupils receive a range of support and targeted interventions. Leaders are proactive in supporting the assessment of pupils' SEND. This allows pupils to make a quick start to learning. The number of pupils entering the school has stabilised over time. Incidents of negative behaviour have reduced. This means that most pupils are happy and feel safe in school. The school is well resourced. Dedicated spaces for food technology, pupil recreation and multi-use sports engage pupils. Pupils show pride in their school. Some pupils have painted engaging murals that promote the school's values of aspiration, integrity, kindness and resilience. Most pupils reflect the school's values in their conduct.

What the school should improve

• The school does not have a coherently sequenced phonics and reading programme in place. This means that some pupils do not become fluent readers quickly enough. The school should ensure that an effective phonics and reading strategy is put in place and staff are skilled to deliver this.
• In some subjects, the curriculum is new and not fully embedded. This means that pupils are not learning as well as they could. The school should ensure that the subject curriculums are implemented consistently well in all subject areas.
• Too many pupils do not attend school regularly. They miss important learning, which negatively impacts their academic progress and personal development. The school should continue to work with pupils and families to raise awareness of the importance of good attendance so that more pupils attend school every day.

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