St Luke's Academy

Overview

The report describes a school that has undergone a significant transformation, creating a “calm and happy” environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders have established a strong vision focused on learning and well-being, resulting in improved behaviour and increased pupil confidence. The school is judged as “Good” across all inspection categories.

Strengths

• Pupils enjoy attending school, describing it as “calmer and quieter,” which helps them learn more and build self-belief.
• Staff are well trained in behaviour management, ensuring incidents are rare and handled with “skill and care.”
• The curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils,” including vocational subjects and forest school, helping many re-engage with learning.
• Assessment is used effectively to inform teaching, with a high priority on reading and tailored interventions for those needing support.
• There is a strong sense of community, with staff reporting they “love” the school and leaders fostering close relationships with families.

Areas to improve

• The curriculum in some subjects, such as science, lacks sufficient clarity regarding what pupils need to learn and in what order.
• Leaders must ensure the curriculum is carefully planned in all subjects so that pupils’ learning consistently builds on prior knowledge.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with well-organised systems, up-to-date training, and staff who are alert to pupils’ well-being.