Darlinghurst Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The principal, multi-academy trust (MAT) and other leaders, have worked determinedly since the previous inspection to raise standards in the school. As a result, the school's overall effectiveness is now good. Outcomes for pupils have improved since the previous inspection.

Pupils now make strong progress from their starting points and are well prepared for their next phase in education. Pupils enjoy a rich and varied curriculum, enhanced by a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Children get off to a good start in the early years.

They are happy and settled and make good gains from their starting points. The quality of teaching and... learning is good. Leaders provide staff with effective training and support.

A strong culture of safeguarding is evident throughout the school. Pupils behave safely and act with respect for the safety of others. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress.

So, too, do disadvantaged pupils. Pupils are polite and respectful. Senior leaders make rigorous checks on the quality of teaching, learning and assessment.

However, a few inconsistencies remain, for example the use of resources to support all pupils in their learning. Not all teachers plan sufficient opportunities for pupils to practise and apply their skills in their work. Writing is not strongly developed in subjects other than English.

Relationships with the majority of parents and carers are very good. However, some expressed concerns. This is because they do not receive clear enough or frequent enough information about some of the actions the school takes.

Information about this school

The principal was appointed after the previous Ofsted inspection. Darlinghurst Academy is part of the Legra Academy Trust. The school is governed by a rapid improvement board who are members of the Legra Academy Trust board.

The school is a larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average. The majority of pupils are of White British heritage.

Only a small proportion of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of pupils who have SEND, including those with an education, health and care plan, is below average. The school runs a before- and after-school club.