Outwood Academy Shafton

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 May 2025

Outwood Academy Shafton is a positive place to be. The school is building a culture of belonging and high aspiration. Most pupils enjoy coming to school. They are keen to learn and keen to achieve. Pupils are safe here. The school sets high expectations for the academic success of all pupils. Although last year's published results did not fully reflect these expectations, pupils' work and their ability to recall learning show that they are now achieving better. Pupils conduct themselves well around school. Classrooms are calm and purposeful. Pupils enthusiastically participate in learning. They are developing their independent learning and oracy skills. Social times are calm and orderly. Pupils maturely access activities such as table tennis and table football during break and lunchtimes. The school recognises pupils for their positive achievements. On 'proud Thursday', pupils receive recognition for their academic achievements. The 'tree of kindness' rewards encourage pupils to be positive members of the school community. This helps to promote the culture of belonging.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, the activities that staff give to pupils do not build knowledge or check understanding as effectively as they could. As a result, pupils do not achieve as well as they might. The school should ensure that teachers consistently select effective activities to deliver the curriculum and to check learning.
• Despite a clear overall attendance strategy, some pupils do not attend school regularly enough. This has a particular impact on pupils who are disadvantaged and who are absent from school more often than others. These pupils miss out on important learning. The school should continue to do all it can to improve attendance, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable pupils.

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