Woodwater Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 March 2024

Pupils are happy and safe at this inclusive school. Parents speak highly of the care and support their children receive. The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement and conduct. Pupils are eager to learn and keen to cooperate with each other. They behave well in classrooms and around the school. Well-established routines create a calm, positive atmosphere. For example, pupils listen to a piece of music when they arrive each morning. During this time, they consider one of the school's values. This helps them reflect on how they will conduct themselves in the day ahead. Pupils benefit from an exceptional curriculum to support their personal development. For example, they attend different types of residentials, such as a visit to London and time at an outdoor pursuits centre. They have extensive opportunities to gain wider knowledge and skills, such as resilience, teamwork and cultural understanding. Pupils develop their talents and interests through a wide range of clubs and activities. For example, they learn to play musical instruments, have a go at boxing or are part of the 'green team.' The school ensures there are no barriers to pupils participating in the opportunities it provides.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the school does not use assessment effectively. Where this is the case, pupils do not securely learn the knowledge and skills they need for future learning. The school and the trust should ensure that teachers use assessment to check how well pupils have learned the curriculum, so that it can plan precisely the next steps in their learning.

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