Manchester Enterprise Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The academy is a good school that has improved students' achievement significantly year on year. This reflects its vision, 'A fantastic future for all'. Its work to keep students safe and secure is outstanding.

This view is echoed strongly by parents, staff and by the students themselves. Students are extremely proud of their school and describe it as 'a vibrant community that treats you as a family'. Their behaviour is good and plays a large part in their successful learning.

The percentage of students gaining five good GCSE grades, including English and mathematics, rose to be above average in 2014. This represents a significa...nt increase over the past four years. The effectiveness of the sixth form provision has improved and is good.

Teaching is good. Teachers have good subject knowledge and make learning enjoyable and purposeful. Staff know students extremely well as individuals and the courses they take are tailored very well to their individual needs.

Strong and determined leadership has been the key to the academy's success. The work of the Principal has been recognised both locally and nationally. Senior leaders and governors work very effectively together to drive improvement.

They constantly check how well students are learning and take effective action to address any underachievement, both in teaching and in students' progress. Staff are extremely positive about all aspects of the school and are making a substantial difference to the lives of the young people. Provision for students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.

The students are extremely appreciative of these opportunities, many of which prepare them well for their future life in modern Britain. It is not yet an outstanding school because : The quality of teaching does not always maximise students' progress. Occasionally, teachers do not use information about what students can and cannot do to set work that challenges them appropriately.

Marking is not of a consistently high quality. The role of subject leaders requires further development. Not all are doing enough to check and improve the quality of teaching and its impact on students' progress in their areas of responsibility.

Information about this school

The academy is much smaller that the average-sized secondary school. Its specialism is in enterprise and its main sponsor is Manchester Airport. Partner sponsors are Manchester City Council and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.

Most students are of White British heritage. The proportion of students from minority ethnic groups and the proportion whose first language is believed not to be English is lower than average. The proportion of students who are disabled or who have special educational needs is much higher than average.

The proportion of students who are disadvantaged, and therefore supported by the pupil premium, is much higher than average. The pupil premium is additional funding for those students who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those who are looked after by the local authority. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress in English and mathematics.

A small number of students who have behavioural, social or emotional needs are educated full-time at alternative provision. These services are managed by Manchester City Council and are Ed Start and the pupil referral unit. Since the previous inspection, there have been some changes in staff, including some at leadership level.

The Principal provides valuable support to a wide range of other schools