The Burgess Hill Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The principal and his senior team have successfully created an ambitious and forward-looking culture.

Staff have raised their expectations of what pupils can achieve, and pupils have broadened their horizons. Pupils make overall progress that is in line with or better than that seen nationally in English, mathematics and a range of other subjects. Attainment in English and mathematics has been above national averages for the last two years.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make strong progress from their starting points. However, disadvantaged pupils make less progress from their starting points than other ...pupils nationally. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps.

Almost all pupils go on to appropriate courses or apprenticeships when they leave school. The majority of teachers plan well to meet the needs of pupils, setting challenging tasks, asking probing questions and giving accurate and timely feedback. A legacy of weaker teaching from the predecessor school has resulted in some inconsistencies in the impact of teaching over time on pupils' progress.

Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They are proud of their school and speak confidently to their teachers and each other. Pupils enjoy coming to school.

Rates of attendance are in line with national averages for secondary schools. Pupils' well-being and safety have an extremely high priority in the school. Staff are constantly vigilant for any signs that a child may be distressed or at risk of harm.

Pupils benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as a wide range of extra-curricular activities. While pupils are generally well prepared for life in modern Britain, there are some gaps in what is taught in the personal, social, health and economics (PSHE) education curriculum. The University of Brighton Academies Trust (UBAT) and local board provide rigorous oversight of standards, safeguarding and finances.

The trust also provides welcome practical support for back-office services and training for teachers. Leaders and trust representatives make effective use of additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils, those with SEND and those who need extra help in English and mathematics to catch up.

Information about this school

The school opened as a sponsored academy in September 2016.

The school's sponsor is UBAT. Governance of the school is provided by the board of trustees, which delegates some responsibilities to the local board. A very small number of pupils attend the West Sussex Alternative Provision Centre for all or part of the week.