Endeavour Academy, Oxford

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The principal has successfully created a culture of high expectations. Dedicated staff are fully supportive of the principal's high ambitions for the pupils.

The school is rapidly improving. Staff are well attuned to the needs of each pupil. This helps pupils to make good progress, both academically and in their personal development.

Parents are very positive about the changes they have seen in their child since he or she joined the school. They often say that their child is happier and less anxious. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong.

Pupils say that they feel safe and secure. Staff help pupils with challenging be...haviours to re-engage in their learning. Attendance is good.

Teaching is good because staff have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Staff carefully support pupils to give them the confidence and self-belief to try new experiences and achieve success. Those with responsibility for governance fulfil their duties well.

They understand the school and hold leaders effectively to account. Teachers have not had enough training to deliver alternative communication strategies. This sometimes affects the progress pupils make in developing their communication skills.

The 16 to 19 provision is good. Students make effective progress across a range of skills that often lead to accredited qualifications. However, careers advice and guidance are not as regular as some students need.

Additionally, students' independent living skills are not developed sufficiently.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.

Endeavour Academy opened in 2014. The principal joined the school in June 2016. The school is part of the MacIntyre Academies Trust.

There is one other school in the trust, Discovery Academy, which is based in Nuneaton in Warwickshire. The school provides education for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder compounded by extreme and challenging behaviour. Some pupils have additional medical needs.

Most have difficulties in communicating. Typically, pupils enter the school with attainment that is significantly lower than expected for their age. All pupils have an education, health and care plan or a statement of special educational needs.

The school admits only those pupils who cannot have their needs met in mixed-needs special schools. All of the pupils come from Oxfordshire. The school provides a range of therapies, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and music therapy.

The school does not use any alternative provision for secondary-aged pupils. There are four classes. One of these is for those students who are in the 16 to 19 age group.

These students are studying for a range of qualifications, including AQA and ASDAN. The proportion of pupils who receive pupil premium funding is below the national average. Governance is provided by the local advisory board and the trustees of the MacIntyre Academies Trust board.