The Gateway Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school School leaders and the multi-academy trust (MAT) have worked together effectively to provide a clear direction for the school, which has led to strong improvements.

Leaders have an accurate picture of what the school does well, and where further improvements are required. Leaders rigorously monitor the quality of teaching and learning to ensure that it meets pupils' needs. The curriculum is broad and balanced and tailored to meet individual needs.

It promotes positive attitudes to learning. The curriculum is supported by a wide range of visits and extra-curricular activities to stimulate engagement. The quality of teaching, learning and a...ssessment has improved.

Some teaching is of the highest quality. Current pupils are making good progress in a range of subjects. Staff morale is high because of the strong support they receive from leaders.

Learning support assistants contribute well in lessons and make sure that all pupils understand their tasks. Pupils behave well. They are polite and courteous to adults and their peers.

Bullying is not common, and when it does occur it is dealt with swiftly. Pupils' enjoyment of school life is reflected in their punctuality and regular attendance. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education or employment.

Parents are highly supportive of the school. They appreciate the quality of education and care that the school provides for their children. Differences in the performance of disadvantaged pupils compared to other pupils nationally are diminishing.

Leaders recognise that more needs to be done to ensure that improvements are made at a faster rate. Leaders' plans for improvement lack precise arrangements for checking actions to ensure that they are making a genuine difference to pupils' outcomes. Leaders do not focus sharply enough on the progress pupils make across the broader curriculum.

Teachers in lessons other than English do not plan enough opportunities for pupils to use the spoken word to express their ideas. Standards in science are not yet as good as those found in other subjects. Not all teachers apply the assessment and marking policy consistently.

Information about this school

The school is part of The Gateway Learning Community Trust. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is above the national average. The proportion of pupils who receive support for special educational needs and/or disabilities is well above the national average.

The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is slightly higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is below the national average. The school makes use of The Thurrock Excellence Trust to provide alternative education for a very small number of pupils.

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