The Farnley Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils proudly attend this aspirational and visionary school.

They know that they are well supported to achieve the high expectations that the school has for them. Pupils model the school's core values of 'ambitious, resilient and kind' in everything they do. The school has a relentless focus for all pupils to achieve the very best outcomes they can.

This is evident in the qualifications they achieve and the exciting next steps they move on to after leaving the school.

The behaviour of pupils is exemplary. They treat others with respect and are courteous to staff and to each other.

Pupils have a very strong knowledge of equality. They speak articulat...ely about individual differences. Pupils celebrate these.

All of this contributes to the calm learning environment which is consistently in place.

Pupils are happy and safe. They know they have a trusted adult who they can go to with any concerns.

Pupils are confident that any adult would act swiftly to help them. The school does not tolerate bullying and discriminatory language. On the very rare occasion that there is a bullying incident, the school takes effective action.

There are many wider opportunities for pupils to extend their experiences. Many pupils attend the broad variety of extra-curricular clubs every week, which include rowing, eco-club and Farnley Files. The 'Every Child Should' programme provides all pupils with a range of 'experience days' to further broaden their horizons.

Pupils go on trips, learn skills such as baking or riding a bike and learn about first aid. At the time of the inspection, pupils were excitedly looking forward to a visit to the theatre.

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

Leaders have designed a highly effective curriculum which clearly sets out the important knowledge that they want pupils to know and remember.

There are frequent opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning. Leaders and teachers ensure the curriculum broadens pupils' experiences and their understanding. For example, pupils explore the colonialisation of West Africa to underpin their knowledge on a new unit of work.

This helps pupils to remember what they have been taught before.

In lessons, teachers present information clearly. They use a range of strategies to help pupils understand important new concepts.

The use of 'iterative starters' gives pupils the opportunity to recall prior learning and create links with new learning. During all lessons, there is dedicated time for pupils to assess themselves against the intended outcomes. This time is known as the 'Purple Zone'.

This also allows teachers to assess pupils' understanding and provide personalised support where needed. As a result, all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make rapid progress. Pupils at the school achieve exceptionally well.

Reading is prioritised by the school. Pupils have weekly reading lessons. The school has developed forensic reading which develops pupils' ability to analyse unseen texts.

Their understanding of the world is broadened by the range of articles and wider texts that they read. Leaders have a sharp focus on supporting pupils who are at the early stages of reading. The needs of these pupils are quickly assessed and appropriate support is put in place.

As a result, they quickly learn to read more fluently and with confidence.

The school has extremely high expectations for pupils' behaviour. These expectations are modelled by all staff.

Pupils consistently meet these high standards. Their conduct creates a positive environment. Pupils in all year groups value the rewards system.

They talk proudly about the Farnley Festival and how they had accessed the funfair through their excellent attitudes to school.

The school is committed to giving pupils a broad experience to enhance their personal development. Pupils benefit from a highly effective curriculum that enhances their knowledge of the wider world.

Pupils speak passionately about equality, and many pupils have a deep understanding of diversity. As a result, pupils are well prepared to take their place in modern Britain.

Pupils benefit from an extensive careers programme.

The school takes every opportunity to explore different careers, such as through 'job of the week'. Teachers skilfully weave information about different professions into their lessons. This helps pupils to explore a wide variety of different pathways.

The school has ensured there is impartial advice available for pupils in all year groups. Pupils value the ability to be able to speak with a careers adviser whenever they would like.

Leaders, governors and the trust work in a clearly defined way.

The vision and values are a constant that drives the work that they do. They commit to doing the very best for all pupils. There is a relentless focus on pupils with SEND and those who are disadvantaged.

Staff are proud to work at The Farnley Academy. They know that leaders have their best interests at heart and consider both their workload and well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.