Outwood Academy Danum

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 May 2024

This is an inclusive school which prepares pupils to be responsible citizens. Pupils of every background are provided with the opportunities they need to be successful. The school provides a range of specialist support for pupils with additional needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Most pupils have positive relationships with their teachers and value their lessons. They learn and remember new information and are successful in assessments and examinations. Sixth-form students are positive about their experience and feel well prepared for their future careers. Pupils routinely behave well in lessons and around the school site. Some pupils do not attend regularly enough, and some pupils are suspended frequently. These pupils miss valuable learning. Pupils enjoy a range of opportunities that develop their character and widen their life experience. Pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and a range of clubs such as basketball, oil painting, debating and journalism. A 'climate change crew' has influenced changes to school policies to improve sustainability. Sixth-form students actively lead initiatives through the school parliament and mentor younger pupils. Pupils feel safe at the school. They are taught about the dangers of online grooming and knife crime. Bullying is not frequent and is dealt with if it occurs.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not attend regularly and too many pupils are persistently absent. Although attendance for most pupil groups shows a trend of improvement, a significant number of pupils still miss too many lessons and this reduces the progress they make through the curriculum. The school should continue its work to improve attendance across all pupil groups.
• The number of suspensions and repeat suspensions is high. As a result, too many pupils miss opportunities to learn. Although the school has introduced measures to reduce suspensions, these are still relatively new. The school should continue its work to reduce the number of suspensions and ensure that learning opportunities are not missed.
• Some groups of pupils, notably those who are disadvantaged and those of high prior attainment, do not make the progress that they could. This limits their achievement and outcomes. The school should ensure that there is significant improvement in the progress that these pupil groups make.

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