Read Academy Education

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 June 2026

Pupils are encouraged to achieve their full potential here. Pupils of all ages are highly respectful of one another. They enjoy learning across subjects and work hard in class, so that they can achieve their best. Staff instil a positive culture of learning. Pupils' behaviour is excellent across phases. Older pupils act as role models for younger pupils. They do so informally and as pupil leaders. Pupils are safe in school and know which adults they can speak to if they have a problem, however small. Pupils frequently attend a range of extracurricular clubs including archery, calligraphy and grappling club. These clubs provide an opportunity for pupils to learn new ideas and try out new activities. For example, in STEM club, pupils designed and built a hydraulic hand. Many pupils attend annual camping residentials, where pupils cook on an open fire and sleep under canvass. The personal development curriculum prepares pupils very well for adult life. For example pupils in the secondary phase learn about budgeting, investing and interest rates. They also learn to be respectful of those that are different from them and how to support those who are less fortunate. As part of the school's 'Read project', pupils develop their understanding of the school's values and 'big ideas', such as creativity. For example, pupils take part in enterprise competitions where they design and market their own products and take part in formal debates. Pupils in Year 8 simulate an interfaith forum each year. Here, pupils discuss how to bring together people with differing views in order to solve problems. Pupil leadership roles across the school are extensive. School councillors express the views of pupils and successfully campaign for changes in the school, such as new sports equipment.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to ensure that in the early years, interactions between teaching staff and children are consistently of a high quality and maximise all opportunities to extend pupils' learning.
• Leaders should continue their work to ensure that teaching consistently checks that pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, know and understand what they are taught. Where necessary, leaders should ensure that teaching revisits learning or is adapted to support pupils' learning and recall.

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