Fulwood Academy

Overview

Fulwood Academy is described as a place where pupils are “calm, polite” and “happy,” benefiting from “positive relationships” with staff. The report highlights an “ambitious curriculum” and an “inclusive culture” where every pupil is valued, noting that leaders have taken steps to address previous issues. Overall, the school provides a respectful environment where pupils feel safe and are well prepared for their future education.

Strengths

• Pupils “celebrate diversity” and contribute to a “respectful environment,” taking on roles such as prefects and reading buddies to become “confident and active leaders.”
• Leaders have placed the English Baccalaureate at the heart of the curriculum, resulting in increased uptake and clear key knowledge in most subjects.
• Teachers use “strong subject knowledge” and regular checks to address gaps, ensuring most pupils are “well prepared for the next phase of their education.”
• Reading is prioritised, with leaders quickly identifying needs for less confident readers and those speaking English as an additional language.
• The personal, social and health education curriculum helps pupils “value the views and opinions of others” and understand their physical and mental health.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders must “finalise their curriculum thinking” so teachers are clear about key knowledge, ensuring activities help pupils develop “sufficient depth of knowledge and understanding.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with a “strong safeguarding culture” where staff receive necessary training and quickly report concerns to ensure pupils receive the support they need to stay safe.