Wayland Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 July 2023

The culture of the school is defined by high expectations and underpinned by clear structures. From lining up at the end of lunch, to working quietly on 'starter activities', pupils know what to expect. They learn through well-established pedagogical teaching approaches. They benefit from the high levels of consistency in how staff behave and in what staff require of them. As a result, pupils' school experience is a safe and positive one. Pupils usually behave well. They listen and work well in lessons and respond sensibly to the questions put to them. Around school, pupils treat each other, in the main, with respect. Some pupils have specific responsibilities to look after others. There does remain some unkind behaviour, such as name-calling. This is not usually a problem as it is not common and is often dealt with effectively. However, some pupils find that it is not, or lack confidence that it will be, dealt with well. Pupils can join in with a broad and increasing range of activities outside lessons. There are multiple sports clubs and a recently re-introduced school production. More trips are available to pupils than in the past. Pupils can pursue their interests and experience new things.

What the school should improve

• The changes to the way in which some subjects are taught are relatively new. Some pedagogical approaches are not as refined as most, and pupils still have gaps in their knowledge from the past. Leaders need to ensure that teachers consistently use leaders' curriculum plans well, and that gaps in pupils' knowledge are filled.
• Some pupils lack confidence in staff to deal with unkind behaviour. Sometimes, this behaviour persists and is upsetting for the pupils who are subject to it. Leaders need to ensure that all incidents of unkind behaviour are dealt with, and are seen to be dealt with, well so that pupils are confident to share their concerns with staff.

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