Hethersett Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding academy Pupils at Hethersett Academy are prepared exceptionally well for a successful future. The overwhelming majority are very happy in the academy, and are securing excellent academic and personal achievements. The academy's success is founded upon an absolute conviction that all pupils can achieve well.

This is matched by very high levels of support and care, as well as the provision of a superb range of enrichment opportunities. Leaders and governors share a very clearly communicated vision of high expectations and aspirations for pupils. The fostering of personal resilience and a dedication to learning in pupils is central to their actions,... and is being successfully realised throughout the academy.

No pupil is left unchallenged or unsupported at Hethersett. The Principal and senior leaders are rigorous in their attention to the progress and welfare of every pupil. They take swift, effective action to ensure that appropriate provision or support is in place where it is most needed.

Disadvantaged pupils make better progress at Hethersett than other pupils nationally because : the academy ensures that they receive extensive, effective support. As a result, the remaining differences between the progress they make and that of other pupils in the academy is rapidly closing. Teachers plan lessons that engage and inspire pupils.

They understand pupils' needs exceptionally well, and structure lessons and tasks highly effectively to support all learners. Pupils find their learning challenging but succeed because they are guided so well. They are eager to learn, and teachers are unafraid of introducing and exploring high-level knowledge, ideas, skills and techniques.

Pupils' behaviour and conduct are exemplary. They are polite, inquisitive and highly supportive of one another. Systems for managing behaviour are clear and consistently applied by all teachers.

Pupils are regularly and systematically praised and rewarded for exceptional effort and for their achievements. The curriculum places a strong emphasis upon academic achievement, while also ensuring that a broad range of subjects and extra-curricular activities are undertaken by all pupils. Pupils' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is central to the curriculum and very effectively nurtured and monitored by leaders.

Information about this academy

Hethersett Academy is a smaller than average-sized secondary academy. It admits pupils aged 11–16. Its predecessor school, Hethersett High School and Science College, was judged inadequate following an inspection in March 2013.

The academy opened in November 2013 under the sponsorship of the Inspiration Trust. The current Principal took up his post in November 2013. A local governing board has since been established.

The large majority of pupils are White British, with a smaller proportion than average coming from minority ethnic backgrounds. A smaller than average proportion of pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils for whom the academy receives pupil premium funding (additional government funding to support pupils who are in the care of the local authority or who are known to be eligible for free school meals) is below average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is broadly average. There is a slightly higher proportion than average of pupils with a statement of educational needs or an education, health and care plan. The academy uses alternative provision to educate a very small number of its pupils part time at Easton and Otley College and Attleborough Academy.

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