The Priory Witham Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school School leaders have a clear vision for school improvement.

They have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school and they are taking effective action to ensure continued improvement. Staff, pupils and parents have worked collaboratively to secure improvements in all areas of the school. The trust has provided good support to ensure that leadership at all levels is strong.

Early years provides an excellent start to children's schooling. The early years leader is inspirational and has high ambitions for all children. Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabiliti...es, make good progress in most subjects by the end of key stage 4.

Outcomes of the phonics check in Year 1 are improving and now above the national average. Pupils make good progress in writing and mathematics in key stage 2. The sixth form offers a good quality of education and prepares pupils well for the next stages of their education.

The quality of teaching, learning and assessment has improved and is now good. Pupils understand what they need to do to improve. Leaders have ensured that pupils' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is good.

Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils' conduct around school is good. They are confident and courteous.

In a small minority of lessons, where pupils are not sufficiently challenged, there is some low-level disruption. As some teachers do not have high enough expectations, the most able pupils do not make as much progress as similar pupils nationally. Leaders are taking action to improve progress and attainment for these pupils.

Some teaching assistants are extremely effective but the impact of teaching assistants is inconsistent across the school. Pupils' progress and attainment in science is below that of other pupils nationally by the end of key stage 4. Pupils' progress in reading at key stage 2 and overall attainment at key stage 4 are not yet good enough.

Leaders are taking appropriate action to improve these areas.

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.

Priory Witham Academy is one of four academies sponsored by the Priory Federation of Academies Trust. This all-through academy, with pupils aged from three to 18, is larger than the average-sized secondary school. The early years provision consists of part-time morning and afternoon Nursery classes and full time Reception classes.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average. A small number of pupils attend alternative off-site provision at the Acorn Free School. A minority of pupils in the sixth form attend courses at other schools within the trust.