Notton House Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 April 2026

Everyone is welcome at Notton House. Many pupils have had unsuccessful experiences in education before joining the school. Nevertheless, whenever new pupils join, they each get the help they need to settle in swiftly. Pupils are welcomed warmly. They benefit from trusting relationships with staff. They feel safe and are confident that staff will help them if they have any worries. Pupils typically attend well. The school's breakfast club helps pupils to start the morning calmly. Familiar routines give pupils the structure they need to focus and take part in learning. Across the school, pupils progress well from their starting points. They are proud of their work, as well as the qualifications and awards they obtain. Typically, pupils enjoy their learning and are well prepared for their next steps. They know that the knowledge, confidence and skills that they develop at school will help them in the future. Pupils generally socialise readily and form positive relationships with their peers. Bullying is dealt with promptly and taken seriously. Pupils understand behaviour expectations. Staff apply the behaviour policy consistently. Consequently, behaviour has improved over time. Pupils learn how to stay safe online and in the community. They practise real-life skills through carefully planned opportunities such as budgeting and using public transport. These experiences help to build their independence. Pupils also benefit from a range of therapeutic support. This includes working with speech and language professionals and the education psychology service. Pupils are supported to reflect and develop self-expression. They manage their emotions and learn how to problem-solve. Pupils receive careers guidance and meet people from different workplaces. As a result, pupils are increasingly prepared for the next stage in their lives. Pupils visit places of interest to develop their understanding of the wider world. For example, pupils visit the Houses of Parliament to deepen their understanding of democracy and the rule of law.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should identify the key curriculum content that pupils need to secure in all subjects, so that they can build their knowledge over time.
• Leaders should ensure that the use of assessment identifies exactly what pupils have learned and any gaps in knowledge so that these can be addressed and pupils can excel from their starting points.

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