Chellaston Academy

Overview

Chellaston Academy has improved dramatically since its previous inspection, with pupils holding positive views and recognising the high expectations staff set. The school fosters a calm, orderly environment where pupils feel safe and are proud to achieve the school’s ‘ICE points’ for demonstrating integrity, care, and excellence. Most parents recommend the school, noting that their children have flourished academically and personally.

Strengths

• The curriculum is described as “broad and ambitious,” with many pupils studying two languages in key stage 3.
• Teachers possess “strong subject knowledge” and use a consistent approach called the ‘four pillars’ to support learning.
• There is an “effective strategy to support pupils who need help to become better readers,” including skilled interventions.
• Sixth-form students are “highly positive” about their education and contribute by acting as reading buddies and well-being ambassadors.
• Staff feel leaders are “considerate of their workload and well-being,” and they are proud to work at the school.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of curriculum areas, aims are not broken down precisely enough, preventing some pupils from gaining the required depth of understanding.
• Teachers occasionally present too much information at once, overburdening pupils’ working memory and hindering learning.
• Some groups of pupils are too often absent, meaning they do not benefit fully from the high-quality education provided.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”