Atlantic Academy

Overview

Atlantic Academy is a secondary academy where pupils enjoy attending in a "respectful environment" characterised by "high expectations" and clear routines. Leaders have established a "clear vision" and implemented effective curriculum sequencing, resulting in an "orderly and calm feel" to the school. The inspection highlights significant progress in teaching quality and pupil engagement, though challenges remain regarding attendance and reading fluency.

Strengths

• Pupils are "polite and welcoming," benefiting from a culture where bullying is "rare and not tolerated" and staff deal with incidents "swiftly and effectively."
• Teachers use subject knowledge well to engage disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, ensuring "every pupil keeps up with the taught curriculum."
• Leaders have "sequenced the curriculum effectively" so pupils "continually build on prior learning," with more pupils now studying the full English Baccalaureate.
• The personal, social, health and economic curriculum is "well-planned and delivered," providing effective careers advice and education on consent and physical changes.
• Governors and trust leaders are "making rapid improvements" while managing staff workload in a "realistic and constructive" manner.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure more pupils attend regularly as a matter of urgency, as too many are missing important learning and developing poor habits.
• Leaders must maintain supportive packages, including phonics, to help pupils who are not yet fluent readers access the curriculum quickly.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with designated leads who are "vigilant in their duties" and staff who receive regular training to identify and report concerns.