Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport

Overview

Joyce Frankland Academy is described as a place where pupils enjoy attending and develop strong friendships, with a culture where “being different is accepted as the norm.” The school offers an ambitious curriculum and effective safeguarding, though inconsistencies in behaviour management and reading provision require attention.

Strengths

• Leaders have developed an “ambitious and broad curriculum” that is well adapted for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• The sixth form is “inclusive and caring,” with students taught to study effectively and supported to organise themselves.
• A comprehensive offer of clubs, theatre productions, and leadership opportunities helps to “widen pupils’ experiences and develop their self-confidence.”
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff who are “well trained” and leaders who are “tenacious about following up concerns.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders must prioritise the development of reading across the wider curriculum and ensure it is tracked, as pupils do not currently read widely or often enough.
• Leaders need to provide training and closely monitor implementation so that teachers are consistent in their approach to behaviour, as high expectations are not always shared by staff.
• Leaders should ensure pupils in key stages 4 and 5 take part in meaningful work experience opportunities to better prepare them for employment.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that leaders identify concerns in a timely manner and work closely with local services.