North Town Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 March 2023

Pupils at North Town Academy know that staff expect them to always try their best. They say that staff motivate and encourage them. One pupil commented: 'Teachers tell us “You can do this!”' Pupils feel safe in school. They enjoy their lessons. They are proud of their learning and of their sporting achievements. Pupils are taught to care for one another. Pupil-led groups, like the 'Champions of Change', organise activities for other pupils. These activities support pupils' physical and mental health. Staff lead by example. They demonstrate, through their actions, the high expectations that they have of pupils. Pupils behave well. They work hard. Pupils say that teachers treat them fairly. Bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that staff will deal with any issues. The school has close links with the local sixth-form college, which enhances pupils' experiences. For example, the school choir uses the college's recording studio. Parents speak positively of staff. One parent said that staff deal with any issues with 'care, compassion and efficiency'. Every parent who responded to Ofsted Parent View agreed that their child does well at North Town.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers are not clear about the knowledge that leaders have identified for pupils to know and remember. Where this is the case, pupils do not build knowledge well. Leaders must ensure that teachers have a common understanding of the school's curriculum and what it means for their practice.

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