The Abbey School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

Across the school, pupils value the support they receive and the improvements that leaders have secured. Pupils feel part of a community that believes in them, challenges them and helps them to succeed. Pupils experience a calm, inclusive and ambitious school where staff place pupils' needs at the heart of daily practice. They feel welcomed each morning because routines are clear and staff provide consistent guidance. Pupils describe respectful relationships with staff and feel safe, listened to and supported when they face difficulties. They know that staff act quickly when concerns arise, and this helps pupils to trust the school systems in place. Published outcomes at the end of key stage 4 indicate that pupils have not achieved highly over time. Improvements have been made to the curriculum and quality of teaching. The impact of these can be seen in current pupils' work. In lessons, pupils typically engage well. Pupils value the way teachers on the whole teach clearly and check that pupils understand new concepts. This structure enables pupils to attempt challenging tasks and correct misconceptions. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including pupils in the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND, feel fully included in school life. They access trips, clubs and wider opportunities because staff adapt activities thoughtfully and promote independence. Pupils enjoy a broad range of enrichment and speak proudly about developing new talents in sport, the arts and academic clubs. Leaders' efforts to remove barriers ensure that disadvantaged pupils can take part without worry. Pupils understand the importance of attendance and recognise the support they receive when they struggle to attend regularly. Many describe a growing sense of pride as their attendance improves. Sixth-form students feel increasingly independent and well prepared for adult life. They value leadership roles, work experience and targeted lessons that help them make informed choices about their futures.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to embed highly effective teaching across the curriculum to help pupils deepen their learning and knowledge consistently so that pupils' achievements improve, including those in published outcomes.
• Leaders should continue to refine and implement highly effective support to further reduce persistent absenteeism and improve the attendance of pupils.

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