President Kennedy School Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

President Kennedy School is committed to 'building brighter futures' for all. They embody this ambition wholeheartedly.

Pupils are proud and happy to be a part of this inclusive and diverse school where they excel both academically and personally.

There is a real buzz around school. Pupils behave impeccably and live up to the high expectations that the school has.

There are excellent relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils know who to speak to if they have any issues and they know these will be dealt with quickly.

The equality of opportunities resonates in everything the school does.

All pupils have access to a complimentary breakfast..., uniform, musical instrument lessons, residentials and trips throughout enrichment week. The school's vision of 'no barriers' is lived and breathed in all aspects of school life.

There are ample opportunities for pupils to take leadership.

Sixth form subject ambassadors support their younger peers in lessons. 'Health ambassadors' read to residents and in care homes and invite them into school for Christmas lunch. The 'undivided club' hosts events such as 'Asian festival' and 'pan-African festival' to celebrate the different cultures that exist.

All of this prepares pupils to make an active contribution to society and prepares them well for life in modern Britain.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders work relentlessly to ensure that pupils receive a high-quality education with an exceptional enrichment programme. They monitor the effectiveness of their actions and have a clear oversight of what is working well and where they can build on their current strengths.

Leaders have pupils' best interests at the heart of all they do. As a result, pupils blossom into happy and confident young people who are extremely well prepared for their next steps.

The curriculum design is ambitious for all pupils.

It is meticulously planned and sequenced and outlines the key concepts that pupils need to know from Year 7 to Year 13. Careful thought has been given to what pupils will learn, when they will learn it and how they will learn it. Staff know their pupils extremely well and take account of each pupil's starting points.

They use this information to carefully select teaching resources to stimulate pupils' interests and deepen their understanding. Pupils build on their knowledge over time and can make links between current learning and prior learning. As a result, pupils make excellent progress.

Teachers routinely check pupils' understanding. When pupils do not understand tasks or if misconceptions arise, teachers use their expertise to adapt the learning. This enhances pupils' confidence and knowledge.

The school has a sharp focus on developing oracy. Pupils are keen to engage in debates, discussions and to share their ideas in their lessons. They take pride in their work and achieve academic excellence.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are involved in all aspects of school life. Parents and pupils work with the school to 'overcome barriers to learning' by ensuring that pupils' needs and strategies to support them are identified accurately. Staff effortlessly embed these into the resources they create and in their teaching.

As a result, pupils with SEND achieve exceptionally well.

The school has enabled pupils to develop a joy of reading. The 'reading mountain' measures how much time pupils spend reading.

Time spent reading results in prizes. The school library is a particular favourite for many pupils. It is used regularly and is home to a wide range of books that suits the interests of pupils.

Pupils who struggle to read get the help they need from expert staff. As a result, these pupils are catching up quickly.

The school's personal, social and health and economic education (PSHE) is exceptional.

The PSHE programme is highly effective. It is taught during tutor time and carefully woven into all aspects of the curriculum. It develops pupils' character as soon as they start in Year 7 with a focus on friendship and respect, and moves right the way through to the sixth form where students learn how to manage the cost of living in 'finance Fridays'.

Pupils' school experience is greatly enriched by a plethora of opportunities to develop their talents and interests. These include the school's spectacular musical productions and lead roles in Shakespeare plays at the theatre. The 'student council' and 'charity ambassadors' organise fundraising events such as cake sales, sponsored walks and staff football matches to raise money for charity.

There is real cohesion between pupils across all ages. The caring nature and positive relationships between pupils of all ages, and staff is, what makes this school such a special place to be.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.