The Excel Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Students make good progress across a range of subjects. The proportion of students achieving five GCSE passes at grades A* to C, including English and mathematics, has risen steadily over three years and is now above average. Attainment in English is above average because teaching is typically good and sometimes outstanding.

Teachers expertly match work to meet students' needs. There are examples of outstanding teaching across several subjects, including English, science and geography. Students feel extremely well-cared for because : relationships with staff are highly positive.

Behaviour and safety are good. Senior leaders demo...nstrate a high degree of ambition, drive and determination for the school to succeed. Leaders rigorously check the impact of all aspects of the school's work.

As a result, achievement, teaching and behaviour have improved rapidly. Governors have an excellent understanding of the school's strengths and are proactive in challenging the few remaining weaknesses. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Attainment in mathematics is improving but students are not yet making the same rapid progress as in English.

The achievement of students eligible for the pupil premium is rising but it is not as good as that of other students.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than most secondary schools. The majority of students are from White British backgrounds.

The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for those students who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those children that are looked after by the local authority and those from armed services personnel families, is above average. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average. The proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average.

The Executive Principal has oversight of the academies in the multi-academy trust which includes a local primary and secondary school and two studio colleges. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress. Nineteen students, in Years 10 and 11, attend off-site alternative provision for part of their learning at a range of providers, including Reach, Phoenix, Groundworks, Sporting Stars, Unity and Stoke-on-Trent College.