Waltham Toll Bar Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 October 2023

Pupils at the school benefit from the standard of education they receive. Recent changes have led to improvements in the behaviour of pupils and in the educational opportunities they receive. Most pupils go on to achieve well in school. This supports them to secure appropriate next steps in their education, training or employment. Pupils' conduct is of a high standard. Interactions between adults and pupils are polite and respectful. Disruption to lessons is infrequent. When this does happen, staff take appropriate action to address it. Pupils are rewarded for their positive behaviours. Bullying and other unkind behaviours are rare. Pupils know how to raise their concerns with an adult. Pupils benefit from the school's effective pastoral support. The school's curriculum extends beyond the academic subjects that pupils study. Leaders consider the personal development of pupils to be as important as their academic achievements. Pupils have a number of opportunities to contribute to the life of the school in leadership roles. These include as members of the school council or by supporting enrichment activities for their peers. Pupils enjoy school and the opportunities it provides.

What the school should improve

• The school does not have a programme to support pupils in the early stages of learning to read. These pupils do not catch up with their peers. This limits their ability to access the curriculum. The school should establish an effective approach to helping pupils learn to read accurately and fluently.
• Some questions or activities that teachers use are not well chosen. When this happens, pupils' misconceptions are not identified and addressed promptly. The school should ensure that teachers carefully plan questions to check pupils' understanding.

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