Ark Isaac Newton Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The principal and her senior team provide strong, highly effective leadership. The school has expanded rapidly since 2014.

Leaders have managed this very successfully and ensured that the school provides an outstanding education. Pupils' attainment by the end of key stages 1 and 4 is consistently above average. Standards in English and mathematics are high, with many pupils achieving the top grades in these subjects by the end of Year 11.

Pupils make outstanding progress in all year groups because teaching is very effective. High-quality planning and excellent questioning ensure that pupils' needs are identified and fully met. Exc...ellent support is in place for disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities.

As a result, these pupils make very strong progress. The curriculum is planned exceptionally well and provides truly memorable learning experiences. It ensures that pupils' personal development is outstanding.

Pupils' health and safety is given the utmost importance. Strong partnerships are forged with external agencies to keep all pupils safe. Pupils behave exceptionally well in lessons and around the school.

Pupils have very positive attitudes to their learning and enjoy school. As a result, attendance has improved further and is above the national average. Governors have an excellent understanding of the school's strengths and priorities.

They provide timely and effective support and challenge to the leadership team. Governors have contributed directly to the outstanding quality of education that the school provides. Children get off to a flying start in the early years and make outstanding progress.

They have access to a wide range of high-quality activities which support their all-round development. Provision in the sixth form is outstanding. Almost all students are studying academic subjects and thriving.

Occasionally, some teachers do not check pupils' understanding well enough in lessons before moving on.

Information about this school

Isaac Newton Academy is an average-sized all-through school serving a culturally diverse community. The primary phase of the school commenced in September 2014 and currently comprises of three classes in each year group from Reception to Year 4.

The sixth form was established in September 2017 and is currently educating its first cohort of Year 13 students. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is broadly in line with the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is similar to that found nationally.

The vast majority of students are from a Black and minority ethnic heritage background, and many speak English as an additional language. The school does not currently use off-site provision for any of its pupils. The school is sponsored by Ark Academies.

Although the chief executive officer of Ark Academies holds the local governing body to account, the governing body is given a high degree of autonomy. The school currently has an interim principal, who was the vice-principal of the school until the end of the Spring term 2018. The primary section of the school has its own headteacher.