The Wellington Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 October 2022

Leaders have very high expectations of pupils and staff alike. They are passionate about improving the life chances of every pupil during their time in school. Pupils, especially those in the sixth form, delight in their strong working relationships with staff. Pupils appreciate the wider opportunities they have through extra-curricular activities. Pupils enjoy a calm and orderly atmosphere in school. They show respect to each other and to staff. There is little low-level disruption and, when it occurs, staff deal with it using the systems in place. Most pupils learn from this. On the few occasions that bullying takes place, staff deal with it swiftly. There is a strong military presence in the community. Leaders work effectively with the garrison commander and regimental commanding officers to make sure pupils understand and respect the traditions and history of the area. Leaders are keen to engage with other members of the community, too. Many pupils arrive and leave the school at times other than the usual transition points. Leaders are responsive to the needs of such pupils and ensure that any movement between schools is managed effectively.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, there has not been sufficient consideration of the key concepts that pupils need to learn over time. As a result, many pupils are not able to retain important knowledge that would allow them to integrate new knowledge into larger ideas. Leaders must ensure that subject curriculums are reviewed with this in mind.
• Some aspects of the personal, social and economic curriculum are not planned well enough. As a result, pupils do not have the depth of knowledge needed to discuss important topics meaningfully. Leaders must ensure that curriculum planning and staff training support this to happen more effectively.

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