The Langley Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 May 2023

Staff know pupils well and have high expectations of them. Pupils benefit from clearly communicated learning routines that promote appropriate behaviour and conduct. As a result, pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning in lessons and achieve well in many subjects. During social times, pupils are polite and responsive to teachers' instructions. They report that it is easy to be yourself within this inclusive culture with high levels of respect for diversity. Pupils are clear that discrimination in any form is not tolerated in their school. They delight in their embrace of organised school events, including 'Our Cultural Heritage Day'. Furthermore, bullying is rare, and pupils have confidence in staff to address any concerns that they might have. Pupils feel safe, and they value the support they receive from a range of staff. Parents appreciate the education provided at the academy. As one parent commented, 'I know my child will do well, as they have very supportive teachers and the right guidance.' A range of activities, trips and visitors to the school help to bring the curriculum to life. These are underpinned by 'Museum Learning'. As well as subject-specific opportunities, there are bespoke programmes, including the 'CARPE classics programme', that provide pupils with opportunities that they might not ordinarily have.

What the school should improve

• Leaders are taking action to improve attendance in the sixth form. However, some students do not attend school often enough. This means that these students do not benefit well enough from the curriculum that is planned for them. Leaders need to ensure that the actions they are taking to improve attendance in the sixth form are carefully monitored and evaluated to make adjustments where actions are not leading to desired impacts.
• In a small number of subjects, leaders have not been explicit about what knowledge and skills that they expect pupils to learn. This means that what pupils are taught in these subjects and, as a result, what they learn and remember is varied. Leaders must ensure that the knowledge pupils are to be taught is precisely identified and informs what is to be assessed.

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