The de Ferrers Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 October 2023

The de Ferrers Academy is a vibrant and lively place to learn. Staff share a common purpose and goal and all want the best for pupils in their care. This purpose is based on the school's recent renewed drive to reset and raise expectations. All staff have bought into this new vision. This starts with a relentless focus on getting the 'little things' right at the beginning of each school day. The school has put improving pupils' behaviour at the heart of its actions. Most pupils concentrate in lessons and try to do their best. They want to learn and do well. This means staff can focus on teaching rather than having to manage pupils' behaviour. At breaktime and lunchtime pupils chat and eat together and share their news with their friends. The school has clear systems in place to address poor behaviour when it does occur. As routines and expectations have become established, the number of pupils receiving sanctions has fallen. A small number of pupils still struggle to behave well and treat others with care and respect. The school has a variety of measures in place to help these pupils improve. However, these are not always fully effective.

What the school should improve

• The school has not ensured that all teachers check pupils' understanding thoroughly. This means in some instances pupils are not learning the curriculum well and are not securing the foundational knowledge they need for their next steps. The school should ensure that teachers make accurate and regular checks on pupils' understanding so that pupils learn equally well in all subjects.
• A small number of pupils struggle to manage their behaviour and treat others with courtesy and respect. While the school does take action, it does not help these pupils improve their behaviour or attitude to others. The school should ensure that pupils who need help to improve their behaviour get the support they need to be full and active members of the school community.
• The school has not ensured that all parents and pupils share in leaders vision and understand the actions that leaders are taking to improve the school. As a result, a small number of parents and pupils remain concerned about the way that the school is tacking key issues, such as behaviour and bullying. The school should continue to find ways to engage with all parents and pupils to share its vision, build parental confidence and provide reassurance to pupils.

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