Elstree Screen Arts Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils receive an exceptional education. Pupils learn a specialised curriculum alongside essential qualifications in English, mathematics and science.

The school's aim to deliver high-quality technical knowledge and skills linked to their creative arts specialism is fully realised.

Parents say the school has had a transformative impact on their children's confidence. The way in which the school has partnered with professionals in the creative industry is impressive.

This enables pupils to be well prepared for life beyond the school. Almost all pupils go on to further study, training and employment. Some pupils achieve less well in the core subjects.

...The school has implemented a recovery curriculum to address gaps in pupils' learning due to low attendance or missed learning prior to joining the school.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are listened to if they have any concerns.

A culture has been created where difference is not just valued but celebrated. Pupils are highly supportive of their peers and are excellent ambassadors, keen to contribute to the wider life of the school. They seize every opportunity to participate in the wide range of extra-curricular clubs, trips and employer engagement opportunities on offer, for example through the school's 'ESA magic' curriculum.

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

The principal has set out a clear strategic vision for the school. Governors and trustees share this vision and bring a range of expertise that supports the school's emphasis on the creative, media and entertainment industry. Leaders work proactively with staff to ensure they are supported in their workload and well-being.

Staff are extremely positive about this support.

Subject leaders have thought carefully about the curriculum content and the order in which it is taught. They are clear about what they want pupils to know and remember.

The curriculum demonstrates high ambition for all pupils. There has been demonstrable improvement in the quality of education provided since the last inspection. Physical education is now integrated into the curriculum for all pupils, and achievement is very high in the creative arts subjects.

Core GCSE outcomes have been improving year on year.

Teachers have excellent knowledge of the subjects they deliver. They use assessment well to identify any misconceptions so they do not persist.

Debate and discussion are a feature of many lessons. Teachers routinely help pupils draw on previous learning when tackling new ideas. This ensures pupils, and students in the sixth form, develop a deep understanding in different subjects.

There are numerous opportunities for pupils to demonstrate their technical and creative expertise. These include projects and engagement with employers and professionals in the creative industries who support the school's practical curriculum.Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

They achieve well because their teachers know their individual needs and apply effective strategies to support them. When necessary, they adapt tasks skilfully so all pupils produce high-quality work.

The school understands the vital importance of reading.

Pupils now benefit from a well-stocked library that is an inspiring and welcoming space. Staff regularly check how well pupils can read. When pupils need additional help to read well, they receive effective support.

In the sixth form, students choose from a range of vocational and advanced level courses. Teachers have high expectations. Students enjoy school, attend regularly and achieve well, particularly in specialist subjects.

High-quality careers guidance is provided throughout the school ensuring pupils are well informed about their next steps. Students in the sixth form receive appropriate support with university and apprenticeship applications. An increasing number of students move on to TV and film industry level 4 traineeships, which are delivered in-house.

Pupils with previously low rates of attendance who join the school make rapid improvements. This is because of the nurturing and caring approach the school takes towards every pupil, regardless of their starting points. Attendance, for some, continues to be a challenge.

Data is used carefully to identify any barrier to attendance. Suspension is used appropriately as a last resort. There have been no recent permanent exclusions.

The school sets very high expectations and encourages all pupils to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

The school's approach to personal development, delivered through the 'we are ESA' curriculum, supports pupils to become safe, healthy and prepared citizens. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe online and to stay physically and mentally healthy.

The approach the school has taken to the development of character, through the promotion of the '7Cs', is exemplary and has been adopted widely across other trust schools. There are a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their leadership skills, for example by acting as reading mentors, prefects and class representatives and by running their own extra-curricular clubs.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.