Newfield Secondary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The two co-headteachers have an uncompromising ambition for the school.

Since their appointment, their highly effective leadership has led to better teaching, improved behaviour and attendance, and higher attainment for pupils. Staff share the leaders' vision and are justifiably proud of the improvements they have seen in their school. Middle leaders are an emerging strength of the school.

Like senior leaders, they are highly ambitious for their pupils. They use progress data effectively to pinpoint underachievement and put into place effective support. The school's systems to promote positive behaviour and attitudes to learning are highl...y effective.

Behaviour both in lessons and about the school is good. Pupils treat each other and adults with respect. The stricter code of conduct led initially to an increase in exclusions.

Leaders accept that, although now reducing, the number of exclusions remains too high. Governors have the appropriate expertise and skills to provide robust challenge to school leaders. They know the school well and are very clear about improvements which have been made already and about what more needs to be done.

Leaders undertake regular checks on the quality of teaching. They have taken effective action to eradicate weaker teaching and increase the proportion of good or better teaching. As a result, teaching is good overall and the progress made by pupils has improved considerably over time.

Pupils feel safe in the school and are very aware of issues that may pose a risk to their health and safety. They know where to go for help and support. Furthermore, they have trust in staff to help them resolve any issues or concerns they may have.

The Mercia Learning Trust provides highly effective support and challenge to the school. Leaders have developed strong links with the other secondary school and primary schools in the trust. Leaders have focused intensively on improving pupils' reading skills.

This has been successful. Strategies to use homework effectively are starting to have an impact, but there is still scope for further improvement. The quality of teaching assistant support is variable across the school.

Form time is not used consistently well to improve pupils' achievements.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.

The school is an average-sized secondary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported through the pupil premium is above average. The proportion of pupils who receive support for special educational needs and/or disabilities is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below the national average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 11. The school is part of the Mercia Learning Trust.

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