Rise Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

Pupils value the learning and support that they receive at Rise Academy. They benefit from a well-designed curriculum that is appropriate for their age and stage of learning. This is further personalised to meet their individual needs. This helps pupils get back on track with learning and builds important knowledge and skills over time. As a result, pupils are increasingly well prepared for their next stage in education, employment or training. Typically, well-thought-out teaching and support helps most pupils overcome the barriers to learning that they may face. The school has a keen focus on developing pupils’ foundational knowledge, particularly reading and oracy, across a range of learning areas. This enables most pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with other vulnerabilities, to typically achieve well in school. An increasing number of pupils progress to take national examinations. Pupils arrive from a range of schools. Many have been out of education for considerable periods of time. Staff welcome each pupil warmly and get to know them individually. This helps pupils to develop a sense of belonging and helps them to begin to thrive in education. A notable number of pupils' attendance improves significantly. Staff are caring and responsive to pupils' needs. They are highly aware of the barriers to learning that pupils face. Staff work tirelessly to develop pupils’ self-confidence. Pupils are encouraged to develop their independence and learn how to conduct themselves positively. They behave well. Staff settle pupils into school expertly each day. The school is calm and pupils are focused in lessons. This enables them to learn successfully. Pupils demonstrate respect for staff and other pupils. Pupils feel safe at each school site. They value the effective support they receive if there are instances of bullying. However, such instances are rare.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen the consistency of curriculum delivery across school sites to ensure all pupils experience consistently high-quality teaching across all curriculum areas. • Leaders should further embed the improvements to the school's quality of education strategy, ensuring that it provides the information required about the impact it is having and informs current, strategic priorities for staff's professional learning.

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