Da Vinci Academy

Overview

Da Vinci Academy is described as an inclusive school serving a complex community, where new leadership has driven significant improvements in attendance, behaviour, and pupil wellbeing. While the culture has shifted positively and pupils feel safe, the report notes that achievement remains too low and teaching quality is inconsistent, requiring focused attention to secure better outcomes for all students.

Strengths

• Attendance has improved sharply, with absence rates now in line with national figures, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Behaviour expectations have been reset effectively; the ‘dot’ system ensures high staff presence, creating a calm environment where bullying is managed effectively.
• Leaders demonstrate ‘remarkable courage and resilience’, having guided the school through a turbulent period while maintaining strong links with external agencies and families.
• Pupils feel safe and valued, describing the school as their ‘safe place’, with excellent support including nutritious meals and targeted wellbeing provisions.
• Personal development curricula are well shaped by pupil voice, fostering pride in diversity and a strong understanding of fundamental British values.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure highly effective teaching is embedded across the school so all pupils, particularly those with SEND, make strong progress.
• Teaching must focus on identifying and resolving misconceptions quickly, with consistent checking of understanding to improve achievement in every subject.
• Leaders should ensure pupils secure necessary accuracy and fluency in reading, handwriting, and spelling to prepare for future learning steps.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.