Stephenson Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 June 2025

Staff build warm, professional and trusting relationships with pupils. Staff understand pupils' social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs well. This helps pupils to feel safe. The school has high expectations of pupils' achievement. Staff use their knowledge of each pupil's special educational needs and/or disabilities to adapt what they teach so that they can learn effectively. Consequently, pupils are well prepared for their next stages of learning. Many pupils achieve qualifications at GCSE by the end of Year 11. Pupils' behaviour in lessons and around the school is typically calm. Pupils are taught how to have positive friendships and typically get on well with each other. When they do fall out, the school sensitively helps pupils to understand themselves and others, including making sure that any bullying is stopped. Sometimes, pupils struggle to manage their emotions and display disorderly behaviour. When this happens, adults calmly and safely help pupils to reset themselves and understand the consequences of their actions. Many pupils struggle to come to school regularly. Some have been out of education for significant periods of time before joining the school. The school works hard with pupils and their families to improve pupils' attendance, with increasing success.

What the school should improve

• Many pupils do not attend school regularly enough. This means that they do not fully benefit from all that the school has to offer. The school should revise its approach to how it supports the most vulnerable pupils to access education so that they attend school more often.

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