Harris Academy Bermondsey

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils and students in the sixth form are exceptionally well supported to succeed at Harris Academy Bermondsey.

The school's values of ambition, compassion and respect are evident throughout the school's work. Pupils are ambitious for what they can achieve, and staff encourage this through high expectations.

The curriculum matches and often exceeds the scope of what is expected nationally.

Pupils develop a rich body of knowledge and achieve very highly. As a result, pupils are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education. An increasing number of pupils choose to study at the school's sixth form.

There is a high level of trust between... staff and pupils, which contributes to a positive culture where pupils feel safe. Pupils' behaviour is excellent. Pupils speak positively about the support they receive from staff and enjoy their learning.

Many pupils enthusiastically take on roles of responsibility, supporting the school and the wider community. Pupils develop leadership skills when taking on roles such as prefects, peer mentors and mental health ambassadors. They benefit from an exceptional enrichment offer.

The school provides numerous, varied opportunities to nurture, develop and stretch pupils' talents and interests.

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

The school has designed a curriculum that demonstrates high ambition for all pupils. Staff have set out precisely the most important knowledge that pupils need to learn in each subject.

Teaching is sequenced logically so that it builds on what pupils already know. Most pupils study the suite of subjects that make up the English Baccalaureate in key stage 4, reflecting the school's high ambitions. As the sixth form has grown, there is an increasing number of A-level and applied courses for students to choose from.

A very high proportion of sixth-form students go on to university destinations.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified accurately. Pupils quickly gain the tailored support they need.

Teachers make sensitive and appropriate adaptations to resources so that all pupils can access the full content of the curriculum. The school places a high priority on making sure pupils develop a love for reading. A well-stocked library sits at the heart of the school.

There are regular reading focused tutor sessions that encourage pupils to develop their fluency and vocabulary. Pupils who need additional help to improve their reading are supported effectively.

Across all year groups, pupils' enthusiasm and excitement towards their learning are evident.

Teachers have excellent knowledge of the subjects that they deliver. Assessment is used well to identify any misconceptions so that they do not persist in pupils' understanding. Teachers routinely help pupils to draw on previous learning when tackling new ideas.

This ensures that pupils and students in the sixth form develop a deep understanding in different subjects and achieve highly.

The school has set out very clear behaviour expectations that are understood by all. Pupils help each other to be resilient and to persevere in their studies.

Bullying and discrimination are not tolerated. The diversity of the school community is celebrated. Pupils are polite, respectful and tolerant.

During social times, pupils mix with others in a calm and orderly manner. Pupils know who to talk to about any concerns they may have.

The school uses a range of strategies to ensure that pupils' attendance is high.

When necessary, leaders meet with families to resolve any barriers to school attendance. The school does everything possible to ensure pupils are in school, safe and learning.

Pupils' personal development is very well considered.

A carefully planned pastoral curriculum enables pupils to explore important topics, such as personal health, online safety and respectful relationships. There is a comprehensive careers programme that starts from Year 7, which provides advice and guidance about different pathways. This includes themes days, assemblies and regular input from visiting speakers.

The wider interests of pupils are developed through an extensive range of enrichment activities, which are built into the timetable. For example, pupils can develop their character and resilience by working towards the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Pupils are taught what it means to be an active citizen by taking part in charity fundraising activities.

Trustees, governors and leaders are highly skilled and knowledgeable in their roles. They share the same clear strategic vision. Staff are very positive about the support they receive from the school and trust.

The school is mindful of the workload and well-being of staff and takes this into account when developing policy. There is a well-structured programme of professional development that is tailored to the needs of all staff.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.