Corley Academy

Overview

Corley Academy is a specialist school for pupils with autism and other complex needs, where leaders have established a "highly positive culture" and an "open culture of safeguarding." The report highlights exceptional inclusion and personal development, noting that pupils "belong, are valued and heard" and that the school is a "calm, happy" environment. While attendance and behaviour are rated at a strong standard, achievement and teaching are at the expected standard, with specific recommendations to improve consistency in foundational skills.

Strengths

• Leaders demonstrate a "detailed understanding" of pupils’ special educational needs, with adaptations for autism described as a "significant strength" that is "fully embedded across the school."
• Attendance has shown "notable improvement," rising from below to above national averages for pupils with SEND over three years through a "proactive, pupil‑centred approach."
• Personal development is a "clear strength," with pupils benefiting from "carefully planned opportunities" including workplace experiences and enrichment activities shaped by "pupil voice."
• The school fosters "highly positive" relationships, with staff morale and retention described as significant strengths, creating a culture of "mutual respect."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should strengthen how teachers develop pupils' "foundational knowledge and skills, including in writing and at the earlier stages of learning to read," to improve work quality across the curriculum.

Safeguarding

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