Perryfields Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 July 2024

Perryfields Academy is a warm, friendly and welcoming school. Pupils lie firmly at the centre of the school's values of 'aspiration, support, collaboration and focus'. Pupils are happy and safe. They speak about positive developments in the school such as the new behaviour policy and 'line ups'. The school has high expectations of pupils, although these expectations are not always fully realised as pupils do not achieve well enough. The positive relationships between staff and pupils are tangible throughout the school. Pupils treat each other with tolerance and respect and they say Perryfields is a school where you 'can be who you want to be'. Pupils behave in a calm and orderly way around the school site. They display positive attitudes in their lessons. The school's 'Perryfields Promise' ensures that pupils can develop personally, emotionally and socially. Pupils take part in a range of events such as public speaking, trips and visits locally and abroad, visits to universities and work placements. The school's recent production allowed pupils to use their dance, drama, singing, speech and art skills. Pupils have a real sense of pride in their achievements and thoroughly enjoy having these celebrated at the annual award event hosted at a local football club.

What the school should improve

• The school has not ensured that teachers consistently check if pupils have the necessary knowledge before moving on to new topics. This results in some pupils being moved on to new work before they are ready, leading to a lack of retention of key knowledge and unaddressed misconceptions. The school should ensure that all teachers consistently check for understanding, so that pupils retain and apply key knowledge.
• In some subjects, teachers do not use approaches or select activities to deliver the curriculum as leaders intend. This limits how much pupils learn in lessons and the progress they make over time. The school should support teachers to utilise appropriate teaching methods and activities so that pupils can consistently learn well.

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