John Cabot Academy

Overview

This is a welcoming school where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and are well prepared for their next steps. The report describes a high-quality education with calm, focused lessons and warm relationships between staff and pupils. Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum that is inclusive and relevant, resulting in strong outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.

Strengths

• The sixth-form provision is rated Outstanding, with students thriving due to "thoughtful academic and pastoral support" and a broad range of inclusive qualifications.
• Pupils show "very high levels of respect" for others, supported by a personal development programme that promotes equality, diversity, and healthy relationships.
• The curriculum is carefully sequenced and skilfully delivered, with teachers using subject expertise to make learning relevant, such as through local case studies and diverse authors.
• Pastoral care is a strength, with high attendance and consistent behaviour expectations that ensure pupils behave well in lessons and around the school.
• Staff are supported with high-quality training and well-being, and the school provides effective careers guidance for university and vocational routes.

Areas to improve

• Assessment is not always used precisely enough, meaning teaching does not always accurately identify when pupils have not understood key learning, allowing misconceptions to persist.
• Many pupils do not read for pleasure as widely or often as they should, limiting opportunities to develop reading fluency and comprehension beyond the curriculum.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.