Shireland Collegiate Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. This is an exceptional academy, which has maintained and built upon the very high standards seen at the last inspection.

Students, staff and parents are, quite rightly, proud to be associated with this academy. As one student said, 'I feel privileged to be a student here.' The driving force behind the academy's success is undoubtedly the gifted and dedicated headteacher.

His clear, purposeful and ambitious leadership, together with unflagging support from his senior colleagues, has led to ever-improving student achievement and increasingly effective teaching. All groups of students make rapid progress, irrespective of their backg...round or ability level. Student attainment, although below average over the last two years, is rising rapidly and most students are currently working at the levels expected of them.

Staff are highly ambitious for students and fervent in their aim to get the best from each one, academically and personally. As a result, students grow tremendously in confidence and are encouraged to see their potential, work hard and aim high. Teaching is outstanding.

Lessons are planned extremely well to make sure they are demanding, exciting and get the most out of all groups of students. This is underpinned by innovative use of information and computer technology (ICT). The behaviour of students in lessons and around the academy is impeccable.

They are keen, lively, questioning and enthusiastic learners who greatly enjoy and appreciate all the academy has to offer. The range of subjects and courses available to students is innovative and imaginative and is extremely carefully planned to meet their precise needs and interests. The governing body gives a high level of challenge as well as support and successfully helps to plan and drive improvement in the academy.

The sixth form is outstanding and displays similar high qualities to the rest of the academy.

Information about this school

The academy is larger than the average-sized secondary school. The academy opened in September 2007 and is a free-standing, non-sponsored academy, managed by the Collegiate Academy Trust.

The very large majority of students come from a wide range of minority ethnic groups, and a very high proportion speak English as an additional language. The proportion of students that are known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding from the government for groups of students including looked-after children and those known to be eligible for free school meals) is high. There are currently very small numbers of students who are in the care of the local authority.

The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is well-above average, as is the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. The academy does not use any alternative provision for any of its students. The academy meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' progress and attainment.

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