Oasis Academy Marksbury Road

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms that Oasis Academy Marksbury Road has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection,” where it was judged outstanding. The school is described as a “happy and welcoming” environment where pupils demonstrate “exceptional manners and courtesy” and feel “safe and cared for.” Leaders have successfully adapted to a changing context, particularly regarding the increasing number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Strengths

• The curriculum is “thoughtfully designed and sequenced,” with reading as a priority and robust support for pupils with SEND who “achieve well.”
• Pupils exhibit “exemplary” behaviour and attitudes to learning, creating a “calm and purposeful” atmosphere where everyone can learn without disruption.
• Staff receive valuable coaching that “develops their expertise and builds the confidence to teach the curriculum well,” contributing to a positive “family” feel.
• Personal development is “impressive,” with pupils learning to keep themselves safe and understanding “fundamental British values” such as tolerance.
• Attendance is monitored rigorously, with staff working closely with parents to ensure most pupils attend school regularly.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, teachers’ checks on pupil learning are “not used well enough to identify gaps or to inform future learning,” which hampers progress.
• The trust must ensure all staff effectively check pupils’ understanding and retention of key knowledge so they can apply it to future learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”