Harris Academy Beckenham

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The executive principal's leadership and ambitious vision have ensured that the school is thriving and that outcomes for pupils are outstanding. Leaders at all levels in the school are aspirational for their pupils.

They are determined that pupils will enjoy learning and achieve academic success. Governors set high standards and challenge leaders to meet ambitious targets for pupils' examination results. Teaching, learning and assessment are outstanding.

There is a remarkable degree of consistency in teaching across subjects, which has a strong positive impact on pupils' learning and progress. Teachers have excellent questioning s...kills. They plan activities which enable pupils to deepen their understanding, so that they can make rapid progress when teachers introduce new concepts.

The school's focus on writing, oracy and reading development has a strong impact on pupils' personal development and outcomes. It extends pupils' range of vocabulary and speaking skills and so improves pupils' self-confidence. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding.

Their conduct is exemplary and contributes to a mature learning environment. Pupils' attendance is above the national average and continues to improve. Pupils enjoy coming to school and this high attendance helps pupils to make excellent progress.

Pupils' personal development and welfare are outstanding. Pupils have a deep understanding of respect and tolerance and British values. Not all pupils participate in extra-curricular activities.

The most able pupils, in all year groups, have benefited from the Harris experience. Pupils participate in a range of activities, including visits to Russell Group universities and a range of employers. Pupils' progress is outstanding across a range of subjects and for all groups of pupils.

Pupils' attainment is well above the national average. Sixth-form students make strong progress in academic and vocational courses. Effective guidance and support ensure that all students study appropriate courses to achieve success.

Students do not always participate in enrichment activities. Safeguarding is effective.

Information about this school

Harris Academy Beckenham is a sponsor-led academy in the London Borough of Bromley.

It is a member of the Harris Federation multi-academy trust. The school currently has 1,048 pupils on roll including 130 in the sixth form. The school is currently housed in the buildings of the previous school.

A new school is being built on the present site and is due to open in September 2017. The school uses alternative provision within the Harris Federation. This is Harris Aspire and is located in Beckenham.

Eight pupils currently attend this provision. The proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is broadly in line with the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is broadly in line with the national average The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is higher than average. 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.

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