Haywood Academy

Overview

Pupils at Haywood Academy enjoy attending school and feel part of a "caring community" that supports their success. The report describes classrooms as "calm spaces" where teachers hold high expectations, resulting in positive behaviour and a strong emphasis on kindness. While most aspects of the school are rated Good, the sixth-form provision requires improvement due to issues with attendance and preparation for future steps.

Strengths

• An "ambitious, carefully sequenced curriculum" is in place for most subjects, with leaders providing support to maintain improvement momentum.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified quickly and achieve as well as their peers through well-matched learning activities.
• Reading is a high priority, with effective support programmes helping pupils improve fluency and comprehension.
• Behaviour is excellent, with "low-level disruption" being rare and pupils demonstrating "positive learning attitudes."
• The personal development curriculum fosters tolerance and respect, while unbiased careers advice helps pupils prepare for their next steps.

Areas to improve

• Curriculum plans must more clearly identify how learning builds across year groups to ensure pupils retain knowledge effectively.
• Formal assessment needs better design to precisely identify gaps in learning, allowing teachers to adapt plans accordingly.
• Sixth-form study programmes must include essential elements like work experience, and leaders must take action to improve student attendance.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with rigorous processes embedded to identify pupils needing help and secure appropriate support from partners.