The Gainsborough Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 July 2024

Most pupils, staff, and parents and carers agree that this school is improving. Raised expectations are helping to change the school's culture. Pupils' attendance is increasing and their behaviour is getting better. Most pupils feel safe. There is a growing confidence that staff will resolve any bullying concerns. However, some pupils do not come to school often enough and miss out on important learning. Other pupils struggle to conduct themselves consistently well. Therefore, despite the improvements since the previous inspection, there is more work to do. Pupils appreciate the wide range of subjects they can study. An increasing number of pupils follow the English Baccalaureate at key stage 4. Most pupils want to learn and do well. A reduction in low-level disruption helps them to focus during lessons. However, some pupils lack belief in their own abilities to be successful. Pupils' outcomes are improving. However, they do not achieve as well as they could by the end of key stage 4. The majority of pupils get on well together. They show each other and staff respect. The recent introduction of the 'proud podium' gives pupils the chance to celebrate each other's successes. Pupils' experiences are enriched through the 'pledge' programme. These opportunities help pupils to become 'able and qualified' before they leave school.

What the school should improve

• The implementation of the planned curriculum is not consistent. The quality of teachers' questions and their checks of pupils' learning are not always effective. Pupils' recall of what they have learned in some subjects is variable. They do not always achieve as well as they should. The school must make sure that the curriculum is delivered consistently well in each subject and every year group.
• Teachers' expectations of what pupils can achieve are not always high enough. Some pupils complete their work with relative ease. They are not challenged sufficiently well to deepen their knowledge and understanding. The school needs to ensure that the curriculum in each subject is suitably ambitious for all pupils.
• Pupils' behaviour is improving. However, a decreasing number of pupils struggle to meet the school's raised behaviour expectations. These pupils show a lack of respect for others, sometimes disrupting lessons and social times. As a result, suspensions and permanent exclusions remain too high, particularly of pupils who are vulnerable. The school must make sure that all pupils get the support they need to behave well.
• While most pupils are keen to learn and do well, some pupils lack confidence in their ability to do so. They do not engage fully with activities during lessons and avoid sharing their ideas for fear of getting things wrong. The school needs to encourage all pupils to become resilient and independent learners who are committed to achieving their full potential.
• Pupils' attendance is slowly rising. However, there are too many pupils who are persistently absent from school, including pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils. These pupils miss out on valuable learning opportunities and on experiences that support their wider personal development. The school needs to ensure that all pupils attend school well.
• Plans to improve the school are ambitious. However, some pupils, staff and parents do not share the school's vision for what pupils are capable of achieving. Some of these stakeholders do not think the school values their opinions or takes their views into account. The school should work alongside all stakeholders to remove any barriers that prevent the school from continuing to improve.

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