Southmoor Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 September 2022

Leaders at Southmoor Academy have created a welcoming culture with high ambition for the pupils. Between pupils and staff there is a shared understanding of the basic expectations to be ready, respectful and safe. A strong careers programme supports a broad curriculum, enabling pupils have a range of options open to them when they leave school. Pupils and teachers get along very well at Southmoor Academy. The good relationships help lessons to proceed effectively and support pupils to feel safe. Behaviour in the school is positive. Although there is some bullying, most pupils believe teachers deal with it effectively. Inspectors agree with this. Pupils speak very positively about the work of staff to support their mental health and well-being. Pupils have a wide range of opportunities to be involved in activities beyond the classroom. These include the school production, Duke of Edinburgh's award, rookie lifeguards and the National Citizenship Service. Pupils engage in these activities in large numbers and they benefit from the additional skills and experiences they develop.

What the school should improve

• The attendance of some pupils is not high enough. As a result, these pupils are falling behind in their learning and not benefiting from the opportunities that the school offers. Leaders should continue to work with these pupils and their parents to improve their attendance and engagement with school.

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