Perryfields Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the last inspection, leaders have made improvements to teaching and learning at the school and pupils now receive a good education. In 2017, the progress made by pupils in Year 11 in key stage 4 was broadly similar to that made by other pupils nationally. Pupils currently at the school make good progress in a wide range of subjects in key stages 3 and 4.

Governors are well informed about key aspects of the school's performance. They are active in ensuring that leaders take actions to make further improvements. Teaching and learning are now good and are especially strong in English and mathematics.

The curriculum is broad and balance...d and meets the need of learners. Behaviour is good. Pupils are well-mannered, courteous and polite in lessons, at breaktime and on their way to and from lessons.

More pupils now attend frequently and attendance is better than the national average. Leaders have developed a strong culture of safeguarding in the school. Pupils say they are safe in school and that bullying is rare.

Pupils who attend alternative education make good progress, attend well and their behaviour is courteous and polite. Pupils who speak English as an additional language make strong progress. Pupils show positive attitudes to learning.

They are proud of their workbooks, they want to contribute to their lessons and they learn from their mistakes. Teachers provide the right level of challenge so that pupils in all ability groups make progress. There are still some boys and a minority of disadvantaged pupils in key stage 4 whose progress is not rapid enough.

In 2017, students did not make good enough progress in the sixth form. Not enough pupils who left the school in year 11 chose to continue their studies in the sixth form at this school. Pupils are making better progress this year.

Information about this school

Perryfields School is an average-sized secondary school. Pupils enter the school with starting points broadly similar to those found nationally. Some pupils are educated at three providers of alternative education: Impact Education and Training Centre, Whiteheath Education Centre and the Oaktree Centre.

The school has a small sixth form. Most of the students are from Year 11 at Perryfields School. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for pupil premium funding is similar to the national average.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is similar to the national average. The school meets the government's floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for progress and attainment.