Redhill Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Redhill Academy provides an exceptional education for its pupils.

The school's core principles underpin a firmly embedded culture of aspiration and inclusion. Staff proudly share the school's ambitious vision for all pupils to achieve well. Pupils thrive.

They are very well prepared for their next stages in education and beyond.

Pupils are polite, respectful and tolerant. They wear their uniform proudly.

The school is calm and orderly. Lessons are purposeful and free from distractions. Bullying and discrimination are not tolerated.

Diversity is celebrated. At social times, pupils eat, play and socialise together happily.

The academi...c curriculum is very well supported by an extremely broad enrichment and extra-curricular programme.

There are many opportunities for pupils to pursue their talents and interests. These include performing arts, sports and a wide range of clubs. These activities are enjoyed by many pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Many pupils enthusiastically take on roles of responsibility, supporting the school and the wider community. These include house captains and diversity ambassadors and roles related to academic subjects. In the sixth form, school leaders represent their peers.

They contribute to organising a range of projects that benefit all students.

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

The curriculum is exceptionally broad and ambitious. At key stage 3, pupils study a wide range of subjects in depth, exceeding the requirements of the national curriculum.

The majority of pupils take the full range of English Baccalaureate subjects at GCSE. At key stages 4 and 5, there is an extensive range of academic and vocational courses available to pupils. Courses are well chosen to meet pupils' interests and aspirations.

Pupils with SEND are very well supported to enjoy the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

The curriculum is well established in all subjects. Committed and passionate staff continually review and refine curriculum plans.

They make sure that the important knowledge and vocabulary that pupils will learn is clearly defined and sequenced. The concepts that pupils are taught become increasingly complex over time. There are many opportunities for pupils to revisit important themes.

This supports pupils very well in making connections and remembering what they have learned. In the sixth form, subject curriculums are demanding. Students are challenged to gain a depth of knowledge and skills.

This prepares them well for the demands of future learning and careers.

Expert staff deliver the curriculum consistently well. They use their extensive subject knowledge to explain new concepts clearly.

Learning activities help pupils to gain knowledge securely. There are many opportunities for pupils to practise skills and gain fluency. Staff routinely check what pupils have learned.

They address gaps and misconceptions quickly and effectively. Staff design lessons carefully to meet the needs of all learners, especially those with SEND. Pupils' learning is secure across the curriculum.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well.

The curriculum provides many opportunities for pupils to read. This helps pupils to develop reading fluency and vocabulary.

They read from a range of interesting and challenging texts chosen to promote equality and diversity. Weaker readers receive excellent support to catch up quickly.

The vast majority of pupils attend school well.

For those pupils who are absent too often, the school provides effective support to promote good attendance. High expectations and routines support pupils to develop highly positive attitudes to learning. A small number of pupils struggle to meet the school's high expectations.

They benefit from excellent, personalised pastoral support that helps them to regulate their behaviour.

The curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is exceptional. Pupils learn how to maintain good physical and mental health and positive relationships.

The curriculum reflects current issues to make sure pupils know how to keep themselves safe in the modern world. Pupils learn about British values and equality. In the sixth form, the PSHE curriculum is very well designed to prepare students for adulthood.

Pupils' personal development is further supported by an extensive careers programme. This provides all pupils with information about their future choices. Pupils have access to personalised advice.

They have opportunities to meet with employers and education providers. In the sixth form, students enjoy work experience. They receive excellent support with applications to universities or apprenticeships.

The school is rightly proud to provide an exceptional education for its pupils. Staff, school leaders, governors and the multi-academy trust are ambitious. They all support the school's vision to continue to refine and strengthen its provision even further.

There are many opportunities for staff to develop expertise at the school and within the trust. Staff enjoy working at the school and feel very well supported.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.