Academy@Worden

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Students achieve well. Measures of progress compare favourably with national figures. Since the last inspection, the proportion of students gaining five GCSE passes at grades A* to C, including English and mathematics have risen substantially.

Students learn well in most subjects. They respond fully to the many opportunities they have to build their understanding through discussion and working with others. Improvements in students' attainment have been rapid, substantial and sustained.

These, together with other improvements, show the school's excellent capacity to improve. Students achieve particularly well in English, physical... education and information and communication technology. The quality of teaching is good.

Teachers plan lessons that include varied and interesting activities and build strong working relationships with students. Students enjoy school and support it strongly. They treat others with respect and understand the value of working hard.

Leaders and managers have raised aspirations among staff and students. They have developed a positive ethos in the face of considerable challenges and during a time of substantial change. Leaders, managers and governors have an accurate view of the school.

They monitor teaching and learning well and identify how individual teachers can develop their skills as well as contribute to the overall school improvement priorities. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Students' achievement across different subjects is uneven. In some lessons, not all students are fully challenged and too few lessons emphasise the building of literacy and numeracy skills.

Information about this school

Worden Sports College is much smaller than average for a school of its type. The proportion of students supported through school action is above average. The proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well above average.

Almost all students are White British. The proportion of students known to be eligible for the pupil premium is well above average. There are more boys than girls in the school.

A small number of students in Key Stage 4 attend off-site provision at Runshaw College or Rathbone Training for one half-day per week. The school meets the current government floor standards which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress. The current headteacher took up post in January 2012, following over a year in the role of acting headteacher.