Park Hall Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, ably supported by senior leaders, has transformed the school in recent years.

Pupils, parents and staff value his strong leadership. Leaders and governors know the school very well. They address weaknesses quickly and effectively.

Consequently, teaching, outcomes, behaviour and attendance have all improved considerably in recent years. Subject leaders form a highly effective team. They are leading the improvement of teaching in their subjects very well.

They are a key reason that the school continues to improve. Governors are very committed to the school. They provide highly effective support and strong challenge... to school leaders in all key areas of school life.

The key stage 3 curriculum has a strong and appropriate focus on improving pupils' basic skills. However, insufficient time is given for pupils to study music, and some do not have the opportunity to study a foreign language. Outcomes at the end of Year 11 have improved rapidly in recent years.

Pupils make good progress in almost all subjects. Pupils' progress in mathematics has been slower, but current pupils are now doing well. Teachers have good subject knowledge which they use to plan lessons that are well matched to pupils' abilities.

Occasionally, activities do not stretch the most able pupils as much as they might. Teachers use assessment well. Consequently, pupils improve their work using their teachers' advice.

Leaders use assessment information well to help pupils who begin to fall behind. Pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care (EHC) plan are well supported and make good progress. Support for other pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities is of a more variable quality.

Pupils behave well in lessons and at social times. The school is calm and orderly throughout the day. Pupils are typically polite and courteous.

Pupils enjoy school and appreciate the care and support they receive from teachers and other adults. They feel safe in school. They take pride in their work and are keen to do well.

Very effective leadership has seen the sixth form improve strongly since the previous inspection. Students' progress is good in most subjects and especially so on vocational courses.

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 larger than average. AMAT sponsors the school.

Responsibility for most functions of governance, including scrutiny of teaching, outcomes, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding, is delegated to the school's LGB. The AMAT board of directors retains some responsibilities, including finance and personnel issues. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds, with a small number from a range of other cultures.

The proportion of students who speak English as an additional language is below average. The school has an average proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above average.

A very small number of pupils study away from the school at EBN Castle Vale or Riverside Academy. No mention is made of these pupils in the main body of the report because to do so would risk identifying them. The school meets the government's floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for progress.