The Cornerstone Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The principal provides strong leadership and, with able support from senior and middle leaders in the school, is sustaining improvement since the last inspection. The ambition and high expectations shown by all school leaders, governors and the sponsor ensure there is the capacity and drive for further improvements, so all pupils at Carter Community School may 'Expect the Best'. School leaders and governors value the expertise, advice and challenge from the sponsor, which is helping the school improve quickly.

Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school site. They are proud of their school, respect the views of others and recognise the val...ue of a range of opinions. All of this supports pupils' effective preparation for life in modern Britain.

Teachers manage their classes effectively to ensure their pupils learn well. Pupils respond positively to the high-quality feedback they receive. Where there is any variation in pupils' achievement, school leaders accurately judge what is needed for pupils to improve and take appropriate action.

School staff work effectively with a wide range of external services to improve the quality of education for pupils. The close partnership with a local pupil referral unit helps leaders to support any pupil who may be at risk of exclusion. The welfare and safety of pupils are high priorities for all staff.

However, the attendance of a small number of pupils remains persistently low. The most able pupils, disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress because : of the support they receive. However, in some subjects boys do not make the same rate of progress as girls.

Pupils' spelling, punctuation and use of grammar are not consistently accurate.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.

Carter Community School is a small secondary school in the Borough of Poole. The school converted to an academy in 2013, sponsored by the United Learning Trust. Most pupils are White British.

Proportions of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds or who speak English as an additional language are below the national average. The proportion of pupils for whom the school receives the pupil premium is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is well above the national average in most year groups.

Prior attainment by pupils on entry to the school is significantly below the national average. In 2015, the school did not meet the government floor standards, which set out the minimum expectation for pupils' attainment and progress. A small number of pupils attend alternative provision at The Quay School, a pupil referral unit in Poole.