Weston Favell Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 March 2024

Pupils are positive about the education they receive at Weston Favell Academy. They told inspectors that they value the academic and pastoral support they receive from staff. Older pupils recognise that the school has improved in recent years. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from a well-planned and ambitious curriculum. Results in external examinations have improved, especially in mathematics. There are very high expectations for pupils' behaviour at the school. Pupils respond well. The school is calm and orderly. There are few disruptions to learning. Pupils are tolerant and get along with each other. During breaks and lunchtimes, they socialise happily in the pleasant and spacious school grounds. Any incidents of bullying or poor behaviour are dealt with quickly by staff. The curriculum for personal, social and health education supports pupils' wider development well. Pupils are knowledgeable about British values, equality and diversity. They benefit from lessons on how to keep themselves safe and healthy, including maintaining good mental health. Pupils receive excellent advice about their future education choices and careers. Students in the sixth form are very well- supported to achieve their aspirations.

What the school should improve

• In some lessons, staff do not routinely question pupils to check their understanding. They do not identify when pupils have misconceptions or where there are opportunities to challenge pupils to deepen their thinking. As a result, staff do not always effectively adapt lessons to support pupils to learn new knowledge securely. The school needs to ensure that routines for effective checking of pupils' understanding and adapting learning activities are embedded across the curriculum.
• There are limited activities for pupils to take part in beyond the academic curriculum. As a result, pupils miss out on opportunities to pursue their wider talents and interests or enjoy memorable experiences. The school needs to ensure that it supports pupils' broader personal development by providing more of these opportunities for pupils.

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