Haygrove School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good academy where students achieve well. It is improving rapidly, but it is not yet outstanding because the proportion of outstanding teaching is too low and, in a few subjects, not enough students achieve the very highest grades, given their above average starting points. The academy's high expectations and broad range of examination courses underpin students' good achievement.

Most groups achieve well, especially in English. The academy has taken action to raise the attainment of students who enter the academy with lower than expected levels of numeracy and literacy and to provide greater challenge for higher attaining students. Early evidence suggests these initiatives are demonstrating s...uccess, particularly in mathematics, where achievement has been weaker.

Teaching is good overall and some is outstanding. Teachers have good subject knowledge and plan lessons which promote the development of students' independent learning. Senior leaders have focused successfully on improving the consistency of teaching and learning across the academy, although features of the very best teaching are not established fully in all subjects.

Attendance is good. Students are proud of their academy and display positive attitudes to learning. Both students and parents and carers recognise how the academy provides a safe and caring environment.

Students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is supported effectively through the academy's arrangements for recognising success, the cultural links established through its modern languages specialism and the extensive range of extra-curricular clubs and activities. The inclusive approach of the headteacher and senior leaders underpins the academy's positive ethos. The drive for improvement is enhanced by the involvement of staff at all levels.

Senior leaders use performance management well to raise the quality of teaching. They are adept at harnessing the expertise of staff within the academy to improve the performance of colleagues.

Information about the school

Haygrove School is larger than the average-sized secondary school.

It converted to an academy in July 2011. Almost all students are of White British heritage and speak English as their home language. The proportion of students known to be eligible for free school meals is much lower than the national average.

The proportion of students supported by school action plus or who have a statement of special educational needs is below the national average. The academy holds modern languages specialist status and has gained several awards, including the International Schools' Award, Sportsmark, Artsmark and the Award of the Geographical Association. The academy meets the government's current floor standard, which sets minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.