St Edmund's Catholic Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 March 2025

Pupils say St Edmund's Academy is a happy and friendly place. They appreciate learning new things and having fun. Staff encourage and support pupils to enjoy each school day. This makes them feel welcome. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those with education, health and care plans, appreciate the effective assistance that well-trained staff offer. Pupils feel valued and included. Pupils know the school will help them if they have a problem. Staff look after pupils' mental health well. When bullying happens, staff deal with it straightaway. Subsequently, pupils feel safe because staff listen well and understand their needs. The school sets high expectations, which pupils meet. They work hard and behave well because they want to be successful. Pupils value their teachers' guidance to improve their work. As a result, most pupils achieve well. Pupils can take part in a variety of after-school clubs. Some go to football or gymnastics. Others join the 'eco club' to plant trees and care for nature. Pupils enjoy trips to places including Hampton Court and local universities. These plentiful opportunities enrich pupils' appreciation beyond the classroom, preparing them well for the future.

What the school should improve

• On occasion, teachers do not check sufficiently what a minority of pupils know and understand. As a result, their prior learning is not consolidated, and they struggle to build new knowledge. The school should support teachers to ensure that all pupils' understanding is securely embedded before introducing new material.

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