East Leake Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This school fosters an environment where all staff are dedicated to achieving the very best for their pupils. School leaders have clearly communicated the school's core values, aiming for all pupils to feel empowered, respected and cared for.

Pupils study a wide range of subjects. The school has high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Bullying is not tolerated.

Most pupils say that when it happens, staff take it seriously and act quickly to resolve any issues. All pupils are taught how to stay safe within and beyond school. Many pupils feel confident they have a 'trusted adult' they can go to....

As a result, pupils feel safe.

Pupils behave and get on well. In lessons, the atmosphere is purposeful with pupils respecting each other and their teachers.

Pupils take part in lessons well. They are engaged in their learning. Many pupils demonstrate the school's values, including the importance of respect.

However, outside the classroom, not all pupils demonstrate mutual respect and, as a result, some pupils feel they are treated differently by their peers.

Pupils feel valued and cared for at the school. The extra-curricular activities are enjoyed by pupils.

Many parents believe that the school has high aspirations for their children.

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

The school has implemented a curriculum that outlines the knowledge that pupils should learn in each subject. Leaders have considered the order in which pupils encounter new learning.

Pupils build their knowledge and skills over time. This helps pupils to achieve well. The curriculum supports pupils in reading widely and often.

Weaker readers receive support to develop reading fluency so that they can access the full curriculum.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious for all. Pupils in key stage 3 enjoy a wide range of subjects.

At key stage 4, pupils choose from a well-considered offer of academic and vocational courses. The school encourages all pupils to engage in their learning. The focus on cultural experiences beyond the classroom has had a positive impact on pupils' enthusiasm for languages.

Staff use their specialist subject knowledge to provide pupils with clear explanations. In many lessons, staff carefully check pupils' understanding. They address misconceptions quickly and challenge pupils to think deeply.

However, this practice is not always consistent. In some lessons, misconceptions are not identified early enough. As a result, at times, some pupils do not fully understand what they are learning.

The personal development provision is of high quality. Pupils learn about careers, healthy living and relationships. This prepares them for future challenges.

The topics covered prompt debate and discussion. One pupil summed up the views of many by sharing, 'PDL lessons are helpful, as you get to learn about what is happening in the world.' Pupils understand equality and are respectful of different faiths and cultures.

However, not all pupils show respect towards the female gender.

The school is passionate about making East Leake Academy the 'heart of the community'. It has worked on developing learning beyond the classroom, providing pupils with a wide variety of extra-curricular activities that broaden their experiences.

The school has creatively designed bespoke programmes that support pupils' mental health and well-being. The school's therapy dog, 'Bubba', supports pupils with complex needs effectively.

Sixth-form students have high aspirations for their next steps in education.

They are committed to achieving the sixth-form's '6 for 6' programme, which involves participating in activities with younger pupils. Students enjoy developing their leadership skills through these programmes.

The school has created a clear vision of pupils' behaviour focused on positive reinforcement.

Pupils value being rewarded for 'doing the right thing' and, as a result, most behave well. Attendance at the school is improving. However, the attendance of vulnerable pupils is not as strong as that of their peers.

The school continues to work hard on this issue.

Staff feel that leaders consider their workload and well-being and respond well to staff feedback. One teacher summed up the views of many by sharing 'we are valued, cared for and enjoy working here'.

The school provides high-quality training for early career teachers.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The attendance of vulnerable pupils remains lower compared to their peers.

Missing out on important learning means that these pupils do not achieve as well as they might. The school must address the specific barriers that vulnerable pupils face so that they attend highly and achieve well. ? Most pupils have inclusive attitudes regarding the differences between people.

However, a small minority of pupils are not respectful of the female gender. This means that some girls do not feel as valued as boys. The school should ensure that there is a culture of mutual respect, ensuring that all pupils are viewed and treated equally.

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