Hope Wood Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school School leaders and trustees are highly effective and very ambitious. Together, they have successfully changed the culture of this school. Rapid improvement has already taken place and the school continues to improve.

Thorough systems are in place to check the quality of teaching and learning. Teaching has improved considerably and, as a result, pupils' standards of achievement are rising. The knowledge and dedication of trustees have had a very positive impact on school improvement.

They hold leaders effective to account and provide a high level of challenge. Leaders know the school very well. They effectively identify relevant priorities... for further improvement and act swiftly to address them.

Plans are now firmly in place to further strengthen the accuracy and reliability of records collated of pupils' achievements. Staff feel highly valued and listened to, and they support school leaders well. Staff provide a very positive, meaningful and enjoyable learning experience for pupils.

Relationships between staff and pupils are exceptional. Pupils grow in confidence. Their ability and willingness to interact with others increases greatly.

Behaviour around school and in classrooms is outstanding. Pupils respect all members of the school community. They are polite, welcoming and kind.

The school is a very safe and welcoming place. Pupils love attending school. They enjoy lessons and activities that staff plan for them.

Pupils develop into confident and enthusiastic learners. The school's curriculum is well planned and structured to meet the pupils' needs. A wide range of academic and vocational opportunities, as well as additional activities, are provided, which promote pupils' personal development and welfare exceptionally well.

Good teaching ensures that pupils in all key stages make good progress from their starting points. Even so, opportunities to challenge the most able pupils are sometimes missed. Students achieve well in the sixth form.

They develop the skills and knowledge that they need for their futures. Courses of study prepare them exceptionally well for the next stage in their lives.

Information about this school

Hope Wood Academy provides education for pupils who have a range of SEN and/or disabilities, including moderate learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, autism and sensory impairment.

All pupils have an education, health and care plan. The academy is a member of the Ascent Academies Trust. The academy does not have a local governing body.

Members and trustees act as governors for the school. There has been significant change in the senior leadership of the school since the last inspection. The headteacher and both of the deputy headteachers are new in post.

There has been a considerable change in teaching staff since the last inspection. There are too few children in the early years to separately evaluate this aspect of the school's provision. Occasionally, the school uses East Durham college as alternative provision.