The Canterbury Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

This is a highly inclusive school that lives up to its vision of being 'a school for all the talents'. Pupils of all abilities, backgrounds and prior experiences are made welcome and the school makes careful, effective provision for their very broad range of needs. This is typified by the school's large and successful sixth form. The school is a vibrant community in which all pupils are valued and encouraged to aim high. Relationships between pupils and with staff are warm and positive. Pupils socialise well together and respect each other. Pupils' positive attitudes contribute to the day-to-day ethos of the school. While bullying is uncommon, if any incidents do occur then staff and leaders act quickly and resolve them. The vast majority of pupils enjoy school and feel safe. Staff know pupils well and pupils are rightly confident that they will get the right help with any worries that they have. Most pupils attend regularly and if they are absent the school is swift to follow this up rigorously. Structuring their work around their 'four pillars of excellence' of sport, practical and enterprise education, the performing arts and academic subjects, staff have high expectations of pupils and support pupils to realise their aspirations. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with other barriers to their learning, go on to ambitious destinations when they leave school. Teachers generally address pupils' specific needs effectively in lessons, particularly in the sixth form. Pupils broaden their horizons and develop their skills through a wide range of high-quality experiences at the school, both in and beyond the curriculum. The school teaches pupils to be independent and resilient. Many pupils are highly motivated to challenge themselves to achieve their best. They are very well prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should further ensure that all pupils’ needs are met fully over time so that they achieve highly, including in national tests and examinations.
• Leaders should continue to increase rates of attendance, including for pupils who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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