Catcote Academy

Overview

Catcote Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils are described as happy, safe, and thriving, supported by a staff team that cares deeply for them. The school’s ethos of ‘we focus on what we can do’ is evident in pupils’ achievements, with many regularly exceeding high expectations.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘established and rich’, carefully structured to support individual needs and preparation for adult life.
• Behaviour is ‘exemplary’, with pupils being polite, kind, and respectful, successfully regulating their emotions.
• There is a ‘truly exceptional and impressive careers programme’, offering meaningful work experience opportunities such as the ‘Catcote Crew’.
• Teachers have ‘immensely positive relationships’ with pupils, explaining concepts clearly and addressing learning gaps swiftly.
• Attendance is high, supported by clear systems and effective collaboration with families.

Areas to improve

• Support for pupils developing phonics knowledge is not consistent enough, limiting how quickly some pupils learn to read.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.