Catcote Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, senior leaders and governors provide a clear and purposeful sense of direction. This is in their drive to improve the quality of teaching and students' achievement. Additionally, all the areas for improvement set at the last inspection are securely met.

Overall the school has improved well since the last inspection. In some areas this is significantly so. Students of all ages and abilities make good progress from their starting points.

Some students make outstanding progress. This is in reading, writing, mathematics and communication. Parents are happy with the provision and outcomes for their children and are supportive ...of staff.

Outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is provided by the school. Carefully crafted experiences to participate in a variety of activities promote cultural knowledge and acceptance of difference. A variety of detailed and carefully planned curriculum routes meet students' needs exceptionally well.

The quality of education provided in the 'sixth form' is good. Students participate in varied, interesting, and relevant activities that support them well for life after school. Behaviour and safety are good.

Students say they feel safe and that staff are 'awesome'. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Some students persistently do not attend school. The quality of teaching is not yet consistently outstanding for all students.

There is inconsistency in the quality of support for students' learning provided by teaching assistants.

Information about this school

Catcote School Business and Enterprise College caters for secondary and post-16 students. There is on-site provision for students aged 19- 25 years that is managed by the governing body.

All pupils have a statement of special educational needs. The school caters for a wide range of need including for students with profound and multiple learning difficulties, those who have an autistic spectrum disorder and those with identified behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD). The proportion of students known to be eligible for pupil premium funding is well above the national average.

Most students are of White British origin. The school has links with Nacro and Hart Farm, both in Hartlepool, where student's access specialist curriculum provision. Since the last inspection the school has maintained its impressive number of vocational, national and local awards.

They have also added the International School award and the Margaret Demidecka Fairtrade Award. In February 2013, the school applied for academy conversion. This is due to take place in July 2013.