Newland St John's Church of England Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 June 2023

The school values, 'Living together, learning together and shining together,' are understood and lived out by pupils. Leaders and staff ensure that pupils uphold these values. They celebrate pupils who demonstrate these values, with assemblies and weekly rewards. Pupils are kind and respectful. Behaviour at the school is positive. Teachers ensure that pupils are focused and engaged in lessons. There is a calm atmosphere around school, and pupils are polite and courteous to visitors and each other. Pupils want to get on with their learning and work hard to do so. If negative behaviour, including bullying, does arise, pupils say that adults in school help to sort it out. Pupils do not feel concerned and recognise that they can share any worries with a trusted adult. Leaders are ambitious that all pupils learn the knowledge they need to prepare them for their next stage of education. Academic outcomes were not as high in 2022 and did not meet these ambitions. However, several pupils joined the school community at this time, often from abroad, joining at different points of the year. These pupils received a warm welcome. Although these pupils may not always fully achieve the ambitious end- of-year outcomes, leaders quickly identify their starting points and ensure that they receive the academic and emotional support they need. Pupils who are new to school, therefore, settle quickly alongside their peers. They feel happy and safe. Leaders and staff create a kind and secure place for all pupils to learn. All pupils and families contribute to the school's wonderful, diverse community. One parent commented, 'The school is a community; staff not only look after my child, but myself and my family.'

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the curriculum is not clearly broken down into the key knowledge that pupils need to learn. Therefore, teachers are not always clear on what they need to teach and when. Learning activities are not precisely matched to the intended learning outcomes. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum in all subject areas clearly identifies the knowledge that pupils should learn, and when, so that activities are clearly matched to the intended outcomes and pupils remember what is required at each stage.
• Pupils are not fully equipped with the knowledge they need to prepare them for adulthood, particularly learning about different types of families and relationships. Leaders need to carefully plan and teach the precise, age-appropriate knowledge that pupils require about all protected characteristics. This will ensure that they are fully prepared for the next stage of their education and life in modern Britain.
• In some subject areas, including writing, targets for pupils with SEND are not always shared with all relevant staff. Therefore, learning that pupils undertake is not always correctly matched to their specific needs. Leaders should ensure that targets for these pupils are clear, shared with staff and used to inform teaching, ensuring that pupils can achieve success in their learning across all subject areas.

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