Priory Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 April 2023

Pupils thrive in the positive environment of this school. They enjoy good relationships with each other and staff. Because the school's values are clear and well communicated, pupils know how to conduct themselves. They live up to leaders' high expectations. In lessons and during social times, they show 'care and kindness' and often bring the best out of each other. Pupils are safe at school. They value the work put into achieving the 'bully-free form' award. Bullying is not common. When it does happen, staff deal with the situation quickly and effectively so that it stops and does not continue. Pupils feel confident that they have adults they can speak to if concerns arise. Pupils understand how to keep themselves safe at school, home and in the community. Pupils take responsibility for themselves and others. They make many positive contributions to the work of the school. For example, pupils capably take up positions as anti-bullying 'ambassadors', house captains and as members of the junior leadership team and the eco committee. Pupils are proud of their achievements at school. They take learning seriously and approach tricky topics with determination.

What the school should improve

• Leaders do not routinely provide detailed guidance and training about the specific needs for pupils with SEND. As a result, teachers do not know, so do not provide, what these pupils need to overcome the specific challenges they face. Leaders must ensure that teachers have the exact information and training they need about how to support pupils with SEND so they achieve well.
• Leaders' support for pupils who find regulating their behaviour challenging is not effective for some pupils. This means that these pupils behave in ways that result in suspensions from school. Leaders must put in place effective measures to support pupils with challenging behaviour that enable them to learn well in school.

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