Richard de Clare Community Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 June 2026

Richard de Clare is a caring school. Pupils feel proud to be part of the school. They are polite and courteous. New pupils are warmly welcomed by their peers, who understand the importance of making everyone feel included. Pupils enjoy taking on roles such as being a buddy to others. Pupils behave well. They understand the well-established routines. They typically follow the school values of being safe, kind and respectful. Pupils report that bullying is rare and that they trust school staff to deal with any incidents that occur. Relationships between pupils and staff are caring and respectful. Pupils value the safe and supportive environment. They know adults will help them with any worries. Pupils want to be in school. As a result, attendance is more positive and continuing to improve. Pupils enjoy learning. Generally, pupils achieve well in this inclusive school. As soon as pupils start school, leaders and staff get to know them and their families very well. This means staff can quickly identify any difficulties faced and offer support. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those known (or previously known) to social care benefit from everything that the school has to offer. Staff ensure all pupils, including those who join during the year, settle quickly and succeed. Pupils show positive attitudes in lessons. They demonstrate curiosity, perseverance and resilience when faced with challenging tasks. They often show a strong 'I will do this' attitude. The curriculum is engaging, carefully planned and well sequenced. Pupils build on prior knowledge so that they are ready to try more complex learning tasks. Pupils benefit from a range of wider opportunities, including clubs and trips, which develop their confidence and interests. Pupil leadership groups allow pupils to have a voice and effect change. Consequently, they leave school well prepared for the next stage in their education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders need to continue to embed and monitor the effectiveness of the whole-school communication strategy so that pupils further develop secure foundational skills in expressing their ideas verbally.
• Leaders need to ensure that staff receive further training in the school's pedagogical approaches to ensure high-quality teaching is consistent across the school.

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