Westfield Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The majority of students make good progress and learn well in many subjects, particularly mathematics. Since the last inspection the proportion of students gaining 5A* to C grades, including English and mathematics has been steadily rising and in 2012 it rose significantly, well above the national average. Teaching and learning are good and some teaching is outstanding.

Teachers have high expectations and they match work very well to their students' individual needs. Students enjoy school, behave well and have good attitudes to learning. They feel safe and well cared for.

Attendance is above average. Students who follow vocation...al courses in the sixth form achieve very well. The principal has high expectations of all students and staff and she is leading a relentless drive to ensure that the school continues to improve.

She is well supported by a strong team of senior leaders. Governance is a strength of the school. Governors very effectively hold the school to account and closely monitor the quality of teaching and student achievement.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Some groups of student's do not always exceed the expected progress in English. Student achievement data is not always presented in ways that support teachers and managers in their planning and monitoring requirements. The sixth form requires improvement because : not enough students achieve the highest grades in 'A' level subjects.

Information about this school

This school is larger than the average sized secondary school. The proportion of students supported through school action is well above average and the proportions supported through school action plus or who have a statement of special educational needs is above average. Almost half of the students are from minority ethnic groups, which is well above average, and the proportion of pupils identified as speaking English as an additional language is also well above average.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is above average. The school works in partnership with another local school in order to provide a wider range of subjects for sixth form students. The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.