Staindrop Academy

Overview

Staindrop Academy is described as a "caring school" where "relationships are at the core of the school’s values." Pupils feel "valued and respected," contributing to a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" that supports focused learning. The report highlights a "broad and balanced" curriculum and strong staff collaboration, noting that leaders are "focused on pupils" and strive to provide the best experience.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate "real pride and a sense of belonging," with bullying "not tolerated" by staff or peers.
• Teachers possess "in-depth" subject knowledge and explain content well, ensuring pupils understand the importance of what is taught.
• Careers guidance is a "strength," providing "well-informed, impartial advice" aligned with the ‘Gatsby benchmarks’ and meeting Baker Clause requirements.
• Staff workload is managed effectively, allowing teachers to "focus on teaching by cutting out unnecessary extra workload."
• Pupils have a "strong voice in the school," with leaders who "listen carefully" and involve students in assemblies and support roles.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure teachers use assessment information consistently to check learning before moving pupils to "more complex concepts too quickly."
• Systems to track and monitor the needs of specific pupil groups in lessons and additional activities require further refinement to inform leaders’ decisions.
• The subject of geography requires "more attention to planning."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff receiving regular training to spot risks and leaders following up concerns in a "timely manner" to keep pupils safe.