Sedgehill Academy

Overview

Sedgehill Academy is a secondary academy where pupils learn a “well-considered curriculum” and feel “happy and safe.” Leaders have high expectations, fostering a “strong sense of community” where music and performing arts are central to school life. The inspection found that teachers help pupils to “learn and remember more over time” within a “disruption-free environment.”

Strengths

• The curriculum is “coherent and logical,” enabling pupils to build knowledge systematically, with sixth-form courses designed for a “logical build-up of knowledge.”
• Pupils are “sensible and polite,” with staff reinforcing good behaviour through rewards and quickly addressing any bullying.
• Leaders promote reading skills effectively, ensuring pupils who struggle receive support from “skilled adults” to become “confident and fluent readers.”
• There is a “varied programme of extracurricular activities,” including performances at the Albert Hall and theatre workshops, enriching pupils’ experiences.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “access the same curriculum as their peers” and are well supported by staff.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must more sharply check pupils’ understanding to identify and correct “mistakes or misconceptions,” ensuring pupils are fully ready before moving on to new content.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff receiving appropriate training and leaders demonstrating “persistence in securing the right support for vulnerable pupils” from external agencies.