Cedar Mount Academy

Overview

Cedar Mount Academy is described as being “on the right track” following decisive leadership action to address previous shortcomings in curriculum and teaching. The report highlights a “calm and respectful environment” where pupils feel safe and valued, with attendance and behaviour meeting expected standards. However, inconsistencies in teaching quality and support for pupils with additional needs mean that achievement remains uneven and below national averages.

Strengths

• Leaders have created a culture where pupils “feel safe” and bullying is rare, with clear expectations for conduct.
• Attendance initiatives, such as ‘FOMO Fridays’, have reduced persistent absence, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
• The curriculum has been strengthened with “logically ordered” knowledge, and leaders effectively support pupils new to English.
• Pupils benefit from a broad range of enrichment activities, including theatre visits and fieldwork, which broaden their horizons.
• Staff workload management is appreciated, and there is a “clear sense of belonging” within the school community.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure improvements in teaching are “embedded and applied consistently” so pupils achieve well in every subject.
• Staff need to use assessment information effectively to address gaps in pupils’ knowledge and build understanding securely.
• Leaders should strengthen staff expertise and provide clear information on pupils’ needs to reduce barriers to learning consistently.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and concerns are actively identified and managed.