Stephenson Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The executive principal, supported by leaders, sets high expectations for staff and pupils. Leaders prioritise pupils' social, emotional and academic development. Teaching, learning and assessment are good.

Pupils deepen their understanding because : learning is sequenced well and teachers have high expectations. Pupils' behaviour has improved because leaders and staff have established clear and effective procedures. Consequently, most pupils have positive attitudes towards learning.

Pupils achieve well in a range of subjects. They make strong progress from their individual starting points. Staff work well with pupils, who have social, em...otional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

Safeguarding is effective. Pupils receive strong SEMH support from staff. Consequently, pupils learn how to keep themselves safe.

Governors bring a breadth of educational expertise to their roles. They challenge and support senior leaders well. Leaders ensure that pupils study a broad, balanced and creative curriculum that meets their needs.

Pupils develop strong skills, knowledge, and understanding in a range of subjects. Pupils receive good-quality careers guidance, enabling an increasing proportion of pupils to access further education and apprenticeships. Leaders use the funding for disadvantaged pupils effectively.

Pupils receive high-quality support, helping them to make strong progress. Students make good progress in the sixth form. They study a curriculum that reflects their specific needs, interests and future plans.

Some teachers and support assistants do not use information in pupils' education, health and care (EHC) plans as effectively as other staff. Consequently, teaching does not always meet pupils' needs as well as it could. Pupils' writing skills are not developed consistently well in some subjects.

Pupils do not always show positive attitudes towards writing, or write at length.

Information about this school

The school caters for pupils with SEMH. A few pupils also have autism spectrum disorder.

All pupils have an EHC plan. Stephenson Academy is part of the Stephenson MK Trust, a multi-academy trust (MAT), which includes another special sponsor-led academy. Each school has a local governing body and reports to the MAT's board of trustees.

The proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is well above the national average. Most pupils are of White British heritage. No pupils speak English as an additional language.