The Cornerstone Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 October 2022

Pupils enjoy attending school. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. Pupils consistently meet these expectations. The absence of low-level disruption enables pupils to learn in a calm and purposeful environment. Pupils are safe. They feel they can speak to a member of staff if they are worried. Pupils learn about how to keep safe off and online. On the rare occasions that bullying occurs, leaders deal with it swiftly and effectively. Pupils participate in a purposeful character development programme. They value the opportunity to earn different coloured badges for demonstrating the school's six core values. Pupils support others to develop their character too. Pupils learn how to be active citizens. For example, they participate in local youth democratic processes. Leaders listen to pupils' views when making changes at the school. For instance, in the new behaviour policy, pupils helped choose the words of chance, choice and consequence. Pupils are proud of their learning and talk enthusiastically about it. They say that teachers help them to do their best. However, pupils do not learn to discuss subject matter as well as they could.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum for pupils in the early stages of reading is not sharply focused on phonics knowledge. This means pupils in the early stages of reading do not learn to read accurately and fluently as quickly as they could. Leaders should ensure that there is an effective reading curriculum to prepare these pupils for future learning.
• Teaching does not always promote appropriate discussion. As a result, pupils do not learn to debate and discuss subject content and issues as well as they could. Leaders should ensure that teaching provides opportunity for appropriate discussion.

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