River Tees Academy Grangetown

Overview

Pupils are “proud to attend this school” and describe it as “one big happy family,” benefiting from a “supportive and aspirational culture.” The inspection highlights “exceptionally well” prepared pupils who are polite, respectful, and ambitious for their futures, underpinned by strong staff relationships.

Strengths

• Pupils behave “exceptionally well,” demonstrating high standards of conduct through a “relationships-based approach” that ensures high attendance.
• The curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils,” with staff making effective adaptations to meet social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Personal development is “exceptional,” with pupils deeply understanding the school’s “3 Cs” values and British values, ensuring “everyone is welcome.”
• Reading provision is sharp, with tailored phonics teaching and “class reader” sessions helping pupils develop “a love of reading.”
• Governance is effective, with leaders who “support and challenge school leaders where appropriate,” and staff who are “proud to work at the school.”

Areas to improve

• The school should ensure that information in pupils’ education, health and care plans is “used more effectively to support the targets that the school sets,” enabling more precise support beyond social, emotional and mental health needs.

Safeguarding

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