Nottingham University Samworth Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 May 2023

Pupils are proud and happy to be part of this inclusive school. The atmosphere is cheerful and friendly. Pupils feel safe. They have positive relationships with staff, who know them well and challenge them. Pupils also have respectful relationships with each other. One simply said, 'We all just get along.' The school expects everyone to work hard and be kind. Pupils understand this. They say staff are fair. They trust staff to address any disruption so that learning can continue. Pupils get 'green flags' when they go above and beyond expectations. This motivates them. Reading is fundamental to the curriculum and the wider life of the school. Pupils also learn to express themselves well. They develop the skills they need to thrive, both academically and in life. Pupils enjoy learning and want to do well, including in the sixth form. Students in the sixth form study a growing range of courses. Pupils enjoy a rich variety of experiences and activities that enhance their social and cultural education. In tutor time, they read books that develop their understanding of the world. They enjoy participating in sporting competitions. They make meaningful contributions to their school in the eco-club and school council, as well as acting as reading ambassadors.

What the school should improve

• Some areas of the curriculum are at earlier stages of development than others. Where this is the case, leaders and teachers have not adopted approaches to teaching the curriculum that consistently allow pupils to make as much progress as they should. Leaders must ensure that teachers consider carefully how best to teach the curriculum so that pupils can embed key concepts, use knowledge fluently and develop their understanding.

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