Ashington Academy

Overview

Leaders have worked hard to address previous weaknesses, resulting in a school where pupils now receive a "good quality of education." Most pupils would recommend the school, recognising positive changes and praising staff who are described as "kind" and supportive. The report highlights strong curriculum planning and effective support for reading, though some inconsistencies remain in checking learning across all areas.

Strengths

• Teachers have "high expectations" and provide strong pastoral support, with pupils feeling well-supported by year group leaders.
• The curriculum is well-planned, identifying "important knowledge" and linking new concepts to prior learning to aid retention.
• Early readers receive "effective support from trained staff," quickly developing fluency and a "love of reading."
• Staff feel part of a community that is "like a family," with new teachers being well supported and valued.
• Governors "challenge school leaders effectively" and work closely with the trust to ensure systems for improvement are in place.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must better identify gaps in prior knowledge for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to prevent struggles with new content.
• Leaders need to implement a "strong, strategic approach" to careers provision, ensuring all pupils receive timely information about education and training opportunities.
• Systems must be established to check that pupils have learned key information within the personal, social, health and economic education curriculum, particularly regarding topics like protected characteristics.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and knowing how to identify risks and make timely referrals to keep pupils safe.