The Hereford Church of England Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 July 2026

Hereford CofE Academy is rapidly improving. Leaders, staff and pupils at this school have changed its culture and ethos since its previous inspections. The school is increasingly successful in reducing the barriers that pupils face, so that they receive an inclusive, high-quality education that improves their life chances. Positive, warm relationships are seen as soon as you arrive into school. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), value how well their teachers know them as individuals. Pupils enjoy the improved experiences of school. However, pupils do not, yet, achieve as consistently well as they could. The school is calm and orderly. Pupils are well mannered and welcoming to visitors. They conduct themselves well and follow established routines from moving to registration and between lessons. Clear systems are in place to promote positive behaviour on the rare occasions that any low-level disruption takes place. Pupils say that bullying is rare. They know there are trusted adults they can approach with any concerns. Pupils are safe in school. The school has a curriculum in place that is ambitious. Pupils learn better, in some subjects, due to a more consistently delivered curriculum. Across the whole school, the needs of pupils with SEND are identified quickly. These pupils' barriers to learning are known and clear plans are in place to support them. Pupils with SEND are fully integrated into school life because the school supports pupils' personal development well. They take part, alongside their peers, in a range of drama and sports extra-curricular activities. Pupils speak enthusiastically about the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which develops leadership and resilience skills within school and when activities take them into the community. Pupils take on roles within the school council and run events to raise money for charity, such as the recent cake sale.

What the school should improve

• The school should continue its work with parents and external agencies to secure more regular attendance for all pupils.
• The school should ensure that all staff adapt their teaching and assessment consistently, to enable more pupils to achieve their potential.
• The school should increase opportunities to develop pupils’ oracy across the curriculum.

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