The Academy at Shotton Hall

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils appreciate the exceptional education they receive at The Academy at Shotton Hall. The wider community are proud of the contribution the school makes to the town. Pupils strive to meet the school's high expectations in all aspects of school life.

They flourish in this happy, safe and successful school.

Pupils are highly motivated to engage in precisely planned lessons. This enables them to become skilled in the subject.

Staff connect pupils' knowledge to the real world. This inspires pupils to learn more. Pupils discover how each subject can lead to future careers.

This all helps them achieve exceptional outcomes in public examinations and take... ambitious next steps when they leave.

Pupils and staff have a relentless focus on academic achievement. This is possible due to the impeccable behaviour throughout the school.

Pupils show high levels of respect for staff and their peers. They are exceptionally tolerant of others. Pupils are also empowered to speak out if they have concerns.

This supportive environment helps to shape pupils to become confident, articulate and kind.

Pupils' personal development is a thread that runs through an academic core. The curriculum is skilfully linked to citizenship.

For example, pupils enjoy connecting British values to speeches in English. Pupils also become leaders and mentors in the school. In addition, they enjoy a rich variety of exciting wider opportunities.

They try new things, visit new places and listen to expert speakers.

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

The quality of education at the school has been impressive over time. Pupils' outcomes across the curriculum are consistently higher than national and regional averages.

This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The high standards throughout school help pupils of all backgrounds and abilities make rapid progress.

Staff refine the curriculum in individual subjects on a regular basis.

They ensure the aims of the curriculum are clear for every teacher and pupil. Pupils learn and use ambitious subject-specific vocabulary in each topic. Teachers also clearly model their expectations for pupils.

For example, in Year 9 art, teachers show pupils shading techniques. They do this in carefully sequenced steps. This includes grip, blending and multi-directional pencil strokes.

Pupils then use these techniques successfully in their own sketchbooks. As a result, the quality of pupils' artwork improves and develops rapidly.

Provision to support pupils' reading is a significant strength of the school.

Detailed assessments are undertaken when pupils join the school. This informs swift interventions. Trained teachers support pupils to rapidly close gaps in their reading ability.

Interventions are tightly matched to the English curriculum. This enhances pupils' learning in the subject further. Reading weaves skilfully through each curriculum subject.

Pupils enjoy learning about historical figures in mathematics and science. They do this through guided reading tasks. They also enjoy reading aloud.

Teachers develop pupils' confidence in reading through a range of effective whole-class techniques. The school ensures pupils can access books to read for pleasure. Pupils enjoy being members of an online library.

They also benefit from a thriving library space in school. Here, pupils read quietly or proudly take on the role of school librarian.

Pupils' exemplary behaviour underpins the strong curriculum.

Around school, they display high levels of self-control. Staff intervention is rarely needed. If pupils do make mistakes, the school takes rapid action.

Staff help pupils learn from their mistakes. As a result, repeated incidents are extremely low. Pupils' engagement in the school also leads to high rates of attendance.

The school provides extensive opportunities to educate pupils beyond the academic curriculum. This recently included adapting assemblies and lesson content to reflect the general election. Pupils have a deep understanding of the world around them.

They are confident in discussing a range of important topics, including online safety. Some share their thoughts with peers through their pupil-led podcast 'Speak Out'. The school ensures careers education is everyone's responsibility in the school.

Meaningful links to careers are expertly embedded into every curriculum area in the school. Leaders are also keen to ensure the school is as fun and vibrant as it is academic. Pupils and staff relish the 'open mic' event during Friday breaktime.

They also look forward to the end-of-term activities week and 'colour run' with great enthusiasm.

Leaders and governors unite in their commitment to providing an exceptional education. Leaders ensure the school's priorities are evidence-based and impactful.

These priorities are then embedded relentlessly. Staff are skilled in their roles. They enjoy high-quality and bespoke professional development.

They lead other staff across the trust. Staff are effusive about working in the school. They enjoy the thoughtful well-being initiatives the school has put in place.

Parents also appreciate the opportunities the school provides. Many describe it as a 'fantastic' place that has improved outcomes for their child.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.