Richmond Hill Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 March 2022

Exceptional leadership at all levels has brought about considerable improvement for the opportunities and experiences of pupils in the school. Leaders in school, supported by trust leaders, have the highest expectations of pupils. For example, pupils start learning Mandarin from Year 1 and then supplement this with French from Year 3. Pupils speak and write in these languages to a high standard. Pupils' behaviour is excellent. Staff teach children coming into Nursery how to be kind and how to move from one activity to another. This sets the tone and only improves as pupils move through the school. Staff pick up on small details such as sitting correctly so that everyone knows how to 'show excellence', one of the school's values. Pupils say that if they are concerned about bullying staff will sort it out within 24 hours, and they do. Leaders bring in professional music teachers who have a deep passion and knowledge about music teaching. All pupils learn a musical instrument to a high standard after gaining the technical knowledge they need in key stage 1. Leaders have established a highly successful curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. The way that pupils discuss their respect for their peers and others in the community is breathtaking. Pupils talk with a deep understanding and maturity about themes such as misogyny and the suffragettes when discussing what has happened in the past to bring about a more equal society. Leaders' work to match the curriculum to rich and meaningful experiences for pupils like voting for an 'MPP' (member of pupil parliament) is exemplary.

What the school should improve

• Some areas of learning in the early years curriculum are not planned precisely. The environment and how some staff support children when they are learning independently is not as exact or purposeful as it needs to be. Staff miss some opportunities to capitalise on the language children are taught in the adult-led teaching sessions. Leaders should plan the early years curriculum with precision for all areas of learning. They should ensure that the learning environment and the interactions between staff and children match this revised curriculum planning.

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