Longley Park Sixth Form Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Short inspection of Longley Park Sixth

Form Academy Inspection dates: 2 and 3 October 2024 Outcome Longley Park Sixth Form Academy continues to be a good provider. Information about this provider Longley Park Sixth Form Academy is situated in the north of Sheffield on one purpose-built campus.

In summer 2017, the academy became part of Brigantia Learning Trust, joining three schools located nearby. The area served by the academy has high levels of social disadvantage and deprivation. At the time of the inspection, there were 1,059 learners on education programmes for young people, studying a wide range of academic and applied general courses, including A levels, extended diplomas and certificatesMost students take ...applied general courses, with the large majority studying at level 3.

Almost half of all students at the academy have low attainment on entry in English and mathematics. What is it like to be a learner with this provider? Leaders and staff are aspirational for their students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have low prior attainment, to achieve well at the academyStaff skilfully equip students with the academic and life skills needed to be successful. As a result, a high proportion of students progress to higher education, many of whom having not considered this as an option at the start of their course.

Students make positive progress from their starting points and achieve very wellLeaders and managers have implemented effective changes to the curriculum which have resulted in an increase in the proportion of high-grade achievements across a number of curriculum areas. In GCSE English, students successfully develop the key skills and knowledge that they need for their qualification and further studies. They can fluently compare texts and analyse and synthesise information about theme, place, character and plot.

Staff teach an ambitious and challenging curriculum for all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and high needs. They have a strong focus on helping students work towards achieving high grades. Students with SEND are supported with the educational, emotional and social strategies that they need to access the curriculum and make at least expected progress in line with their peers and, in some instances, better.

Students benefit from useful careers education, advice and guidance prior to starting and throughout their time at the academyStaff provide a wide range of activities for students, including interactions with higher education institutions and employers. This enables students, and their parents and carers, to make informed and supported decisions about their future aspirations. Students benefit from visits by external speakers from many organisations, including the NHS, the police and local social services teams, to help them consider their next steps and to experience the world of work.