Wey Valley Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2023

Pupils at Wey Valley feel happy and safe. The school prides itself on being at the heart of its community. Pupils feel a strong sense of belonging. The school is welcoming and inclusive. Pupils have positive relationships with staff. They are respectful and tolerant. Pupils know that derogatory language is not tolerated. They are supported to make good choices and be ambitious for their futures. Pupils and parents say that bullying is very rare, and that staff act quickly if it happens. Pupils learn in a calm and purposeful environment. The 'right to learn' is at the heart of the school's ethos. Pupils enjoy their learning. They learn from an engaging and demanding curriculum. Pupils read widely and often. Pupils embrace opportunities to enrich their learning through the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. These include outdoor education and local and international trips, as well as regular visits from a range of speakers.

What the school should improve

• Too many pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with SEND, do not attend school regularly. They miss too much learning. As a result, they do not achieve as well as they should. This is also having a significant impact on published outcomes. Leaders must strengthen their efforts to improve attendance so that all pupils are well prepared for their next steps.
• The implementation of the curriculum is not consistently strong. Where teachers' subject expertise or pedagogical knowledge is less secure, some pupils do not learn effectively. Leaders must ensure there is a sharp focus on developing all teachers' subject and pedagogical knowledge, so that all pupils learn successfully from the intended curriculum.

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