Highfields Spencer Academy

Overview

Highfields Spencer Academy is described as a school where pupils are "happy and safe" within a "positive and caring ethos." The report highlights that the school has made "tangible improvements in a short space of time" under its new leadership team, with all key judgement areas rated as Good.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a "broad range of extra-curricular clubs" and enriching educational visits that nurture personal development and independence.
• Early years provision is strong, with staff skilfully supporting children’s language and confidence through enthusiastic outdoor exploration.
• Reading is prioritised with "high-quality professional development" for staff, ensuring effective phonics teaching and support for those needing extra practice.
• Behaviour is "calm and purposeful," with staff managing it consistently and pupils showing polite, respectful interactions.
• Attendance is "very positive" due to effective systems and strong partnerships with families.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, the curriculum does not sufficiently take account of pupils’ prior understanding, meaning content does not always "build securely" on what they already know.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.