Athena School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The school is extremely well led.

Since the previous inspection, school leaders have successfully led the school through a period of rapid change. All aspects of the school's work are now at least good and leaders are ambitious for continued improvement. The school's curriculum is well designed to broaden pupils' knowledge and skills and to give them a purpose for learning.

It makes a significant contribution to pupils' achievement and their spiritual, moral, social, cultural and personal development. Relationships between pupils and staff are exemplary. Staff use a range of highly effective techniques to ensure that pupils are well cared... for and kept safe.

Staff are skilled in managing pupils' behaviour. They provide appropriate support and guidance to help pupils learn how to manage their behaviour in a nurturing environment. Governance of the school is strong.

Governors know the school well and provide good support and challenge to school leaders. They are determined for all pupils to receive a high-quality education. Disadvantaged pupils make similar good progress to their peers.

Pupils are proud of their school. They cooperate well with each other in lessons and conduct themselves well around the school. Pupils make good progress from their starting points in different subjects.

Pupils in key stage 4 are appropriately challenged to gain good examination grades in a variety of subjects and courses. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They receive effective guidance which supports them well in securing places in further education.

Parents and carers are very positive about the school. They appreciate the nurturing ethos and the supportive staff. The quality of teaching and learning is good.

However, teachers do not sufficiently develop pupils' mathematical problem-solving and reasoning skills to help them deepen their understanding and extend their learning. Some staff demonstrate insufficient knowledge of the different subjects taught in the school to support pupils' learning well, particularly in mathematics. Persistent absence, although reduced from previous years, remains high.

Information about this school

Athena School provides education for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. All pupils have an EHC plan. Pupils in key stage 3 are often taught in mixed-age classes.

Pupils throughout the school are sometimes taught in nurture groups. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above that found nationally. The school is part of the Fortuna Athena Federation.