Queensbury Academy

Overview

Queensbury Academy is undergoing a period of stabilisation following significant staff turnover, with leaders introducing a new ‘scholar’s curriculum’. While the sixth form and personal development are rated ‘Good’, the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership are judged as ‘Requires improvement’. The report highlights variable expectations for pupils outside the sixth form, where low standards and inconsistent teaching often hinder achievement.

Strengths

• Pupils enjoy school, make good friends, and benefit from enrichment opportunities like Societies’ Day that develop confidence and leadership skills.
• Sixth-form students benefit from high expectations, appropriate course placement, and personalised support, resulting in high-quality work.
• Personal development is strong, with pupils gaining a secure understanding of health, safety, and careers, preparing them well for life in modern Britain.
• The school prioritises reading, with key staff trained to support phonics and help pupils become fluent readers.
• Trustees and leaders have a good understanding of the school’s needs and are supported by staff, despite improvements being in early stages.

Areas to improve

• Assessment is not used effectively; teachers do not consistently check understanding, preventing pupils from building on prior knowledge or receiving timely support.
• The curriculum is not successfully adapted for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), hindering their development of knowledge and skills.
• Behaviour and attitudes are inconsistent; too often pupils lack motivation, do not complete work to a high standard, and staff do not take appropriate action.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.