Harris Academy Riverside

Overview

Harris Academy Riverside is described as a "warm, welcoming and supportive school" where pupils behave consistently well and attendance is high. Leaders maintain "high expectations and unrelenting professionalism," fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among students. The report highlights effective teaching, robust safeguarding, and a curriculum tailored to pupil needs, resulting in positive outcomes for all groups.

Strengths

• Attendance is "high and above national comparators," supported by leaders’ "forensic oversight" and effective early interventions.
• Behaviour is consistently good, creating a "purposeful and productive learning environment" underpinned by the ethos to "be kind, work hard and take responsibility."
• There is an "inclusive culture of care," with staff skilfully adapting practice to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Pupils feel safe and valued, noting that bullying is "rare and dealt with effectively" and that they have a clear voice in school life.
• The curriculum is "broad, balanced and well considered," allowing pupils to study relevant subjects such as Mandarin in response to community needs.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure the personal development and wellbeing programme allows pupils to develop "secure and detailed knowledge across all key stages."
• Leaders should ensure the implementation of the curriculum is "consistent across all key stages" to guarantee the best possible learning experience for all pupils.

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.