The Academy School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 November 2023

Pupils really enjoy school and they are enthusiastic about their learning. Friendships flourish between pupils of different ages. Bullying is very rare and never tolerated. Pupils feel safe because they see staff and each other as being part of one big family. Staff take time to get to know pupils well and support them to fulfil their potential. The school has exceptionally high expectations for pupils' achievement. Leaders have designed a broad and rich curriculum. It develops pupils' knowledge very well, alongside building self-confidence and self-esteem for example through drama and dance. Leaders also stretch pupils academically, for instance with ambitious curriculums for Latin and philosophy. Pupils are avid readers and carry an 'emergency book' with them just in case they finish their current one. Year 6 pupils get to write their own novel and this is celebrated when pupils 'publish' their books at a launch day. As a result of the excellent curriculum, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education, either at age 11 or 13. Pupils' attitudes embody the school's ethos of mutual respect and equality. They are kind and caring to each other, saying that this is a school where 'it is ok to be different'. Pupils are keen to learn. They ask thoughtful questions, and teachers skilfully adapt their teaching to deepen pupils' understanding. Learning is rarely disrupted. Teachers know how to keep pupils focused on the task in hand.

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