The Excel Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

Pupils enjoy attending Excel Academy and feel safe at this school. They value the support they get from staff and are positive about the school. Staff welcome pupils warmly each day and pupils know that there is an adult they can talk to if they have a concern. Pupils benefit from an inclusive and calm environment. Pupils are treated equally and this creates an atmosphere where everyone gets along. The school is a place pupils feel they can learn in. Pupils talk positively about how the school has improved in terms of behaviour around the school and how they are now coming to school more often. Pupils treat each other with kindness and respect. Pupils have a shared understanding of what is expected of them and respond to prompts such as classical music to ensure they can get to lessons on time. Discriminatory language and bullying are not tolerated in this school, and pupils are confident that staff would act promptly and appropriately if this did occur. Pupils that meet leaders’ high expectations are recognised and rewarded. Many pupils experience positive lessons. Where teaching is strongest, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils, benefit from lessons that are well sequenced and allow them to develop skills and knowledge over time. However, some pupils do not consistently experience sufficient challenge in lessons to maximise their learning. Pupils that require extra support can access a range of bespoke interventions. Pupils value these opportunities because it helps them feel part of the wider school community. Pupils are complimentary about the range of activities and opportunities they have access to. Pupils can participate in a variety of leadership roles that develop their communication skills and confidence. While some pupils are not fully able to recall the impact of the school’s personal development programme, many pupils are positive about the school's careers provision and how it prepares them for the future.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that lessons consistently address misconceptions and gaps in learning to support the long-term recall of knowledge.
• Leaders should embed their current work to further enhance pupils’ learning and raise pupils’ attainment and progress.
• Leaders should ensure that their strategies to support attendance continue to have a positive impact for all pupils.

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