City Academy Whitehawk

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), feel valued and cared for. The school treats all of its pupils as unique. Pupils feel a sense of care and value consistently from all staff.

The majority of the school's pupils are disadvantaged in some way. The school ensures this is a motivation, not an excuse. Pupils thrive in a culture of high expectations, strive to rise to them and generally learn well.

Pupils' current achievement in mathematics is stronger than the low 2023 key stage 2 national test results.

Pupils behave with respect and kindness. The school has exceptionally high expectations for conduct.

...Pupils share these expectations of themselves. This is evident in their impeccable classroom behaviour and joyful atmosphere among pupils of all ages at breaktimes. Pupils told inspectors about the school's expectations and explained, 'they make us feel like we are welcome,' and 'they check attendance every day, and there has to be a reason'.

Pupils feel safe because of the school's robust work. The 'Keeping Myself Safe' units are part of the school's routine personal development curriculum and help pupils feel secure in their community. Pupils are quick to identify their trusted adults and understand how to get help and be heard.

As a result, the focus on mental and physical health is evident in pupils' language, attitudes and actions across the school.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Children get off to an exceptional start in the Nursery and Reception. The school's carefully sequenced and rigorous curriculum is highly effective.

Staff prepare children for the next stages of education, instilling the necessary language and communication skills through enriching activities and opportunities. Children build meaningful relationships with each other and the well-trained staff who skilfully facilitate highly purposeful learning.

The school's ambition for its pupils is reflected in the curriculum design.

Staff have carefully defined, rigorous and carefully ordered knowledge. The school has created the curriculum methodically to raise pupils' aspirations and broaden their horizons. For example, it develops pupils' learning in religious education to build greater community understanding and fosters a sense of tolerance and respect.

The support for pupils with SEND is of the highest standard. Staff's adaptations and understanding of pupils' needs are thorough and responsive. Pupils across the school develop their knowledge in different subjects and make meaningful links between topics.

Staff usually check pupils' understanding carefully, and effective adaptations are made to close gaps in knowledge. Pupils typically demonstrate their understanding in books and discussions about their learning. The school has worked to address low 2023 key stage 2 mathematics results.

Staff have benefited from high-quality training which is impacting positively on current pupils' achievement.The reading curriculum is both systematic and inspirational. The school uses a rigorously planned approach to reading that starts from pupils' first days in school.

Staff teach the planned content with consistency and fidelity. As a result, pupils develop into accurate and fluent readers. Pupils are enthusiastic readers.

They are proud of the new library, and exciting, positive events like the weekly 'Reading Raffle' support their love of reading. Consequently, all pupils are avid readers at school and home.

The school has unapologetically high expectations for behaviour.

Pupils exceed these aspirations and demonstrate appreciation and respect for staff. Staff have stringent but warm expectations. This is reflected in how closely all staff members know each pupil.

Pupils feel safe, and playtimes are joyous. They have positive attitudes to learning rooted in understanding how much the school cares for them. The school has a robust and meticulous approach to challenging attendance issues.

This approach is having a tangible improvement with all pupils, and especially those who are disadvantaged.

The school's personal development provision is exemplary. The school has precisely tailored the personal development offer to reflect the school's context.

The school sees its offer as a way of raising pupils' aspirations and helping them to understand the world beyond the local area. This is evident in the school's values, which provide pathways for future success. The careers fairs, inspirational role models and various extra-curricular trips support deliberately chosen learning opportunities.

As a result, pupils develop a deep sense of equality and maturity and see themselves as 'agents of change' in their community.

Leaders at all levels share a drive and passion for the school's mission. The school's unrelenting pursuit of the best educational offer for pupils is balanced with a focus on staff welfare and well-being.

The school staff are well cared for, and there is a close sense of community and purpose among staff, trustees, and governors. The school works exceptionally well with other stakeholders, including parents, to continue to improve the quality of education provided.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The impact of the curriculum is not yet fully evident in mathematics. This means that pupils do not achieve as well as they could by the end of key stage 2. The school must ensure that staff continue to follow the planned curriculum, carefully check what pupils remember over time and address gaps swiftly.

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