Haughton Academy

Overview

The report describes a school where leaders have "accurately identified and prioritised actions for improvement" following recent leadership changes. While safeguarding standards are met and the curriculum is "well sequenced," the school faces challenges with pupil achievement, attendance, and behaviour for a minority of students. Inspectors note that improvements in teaching are "starting to show a positive impact" but are "still at an early stage."

Strengths

• Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."
• The curriculum is "well sequenced" and adapted to match pupils' starting points, with teachers possessing the necessary subject knowledge.
• Leaders provide "effective support" for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, including "bespoke interventions" and calm inclusion spaces.
• Staff wellbeing is prioritised, with leaders ensuring staff have time for their roles and access to a "high-quality, professional learning programme."
• Pupils benefit from a "well-structured programme of personal development" and opportunities to engage in the local community and competitive sports.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure severe and persistent absence reduces so pupils with very low attendance access more education.
• Support for pupils to "regulate their emotions and manage their behaviour" needs further consideration to prevent repeat suspensions.
• Leaders should ensure the curriculum is "consistently taught well" to help pupils secure learning and achieve higher levels in national tests.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, meaning leaders have established an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.