Outwood Academy Hemsworth

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 March 2025

This is a school where pupils and staff embrace learning. They work together to create a stimulating environment that values education. The school has high ambitions for pupils in all areas. The school's positive attitude towards achievement and success benefits all pupils. Pupils thrive and make great progress. This progress is not restricted to their subject knowledge. Their social awareness and personal responsibility also improve over time. The sixth-form students are fantastic ambassadors for the school. They support and lead the younger pupils. Their polite and professional approach to education typifies the school's aspirations for all pupils. The school's extracurricular offer supports pupils in developing talent and having new experiences. The range of activities and trips, from sports clubs to museums and theatre visits, is open to all pupils. Pupils cherish their residential experiences in Malta and Italy. These trips create lasting memories that they often recall and discuss with joy. Most pupils come to lessons eager and curious, which helps keep classes calm. Transitions between lessons and behaviour at social times are well managed. Pupils care about respect and kindness. They show positive attitudes towards one another during social times. The school draws pupils from various backgrounds. Difference is not seen as a weakness at Outwood Academy Hemsworth. Pupils and staff recognise everyone's worth, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This mindset helps to boost pupils' self-belief in what they can achieve.

What the school should improve

• In some lessons, opportunities to check pupils' understanding are missed. Where this is the case, staff move on to the next stage of learning when some pupils have not secured the knowledge needed to access the new learning. The school should ensure all staff are supported to employ strategies to check pupils' understanding in lessons routinely.
• At times, the school does not always ensure effective communication with families, particularly with those families where pupils have SEND. As a result, some families do not feel they fully understand the strategies that the school has in place to support their children. The school must ensure that the quality of communication with families improves so that pertinent information relating to the support children receive in school is shared with families clearly.

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