The Archbishop Lanfranc Academy

Overview

The Archbishop Lanfranc Academy is described as a “friendly and welcoming school” where pupils enjoy attending and strive to achieve academy values. Since the previous inspection, the school has improved its curriculum, resulting in many pupils achieving well and securing “meaningful qualifications.” Leaders share an “ambitious vision” for the school, supported by strong pastoral care and a focus on developing teaching and learning.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from “caring relationships with staff” who listen to their views, helping them feel “happy and safe.”
• The curriculum is “ambitious,” with careful thought given to key knowledge and vocabulary, such as in English literature.
• Reading is a “high priority,” with a well-used library and targeted support for pupils with lower starting points or those learning English as an additional language.
• Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are identified precisely and receive adapted resources, allowing them to “achieve well” and develop independence.
• There are many opportunities for personal development, including weekly enrichment lessons, leadership roles, and cultural events like performing Shakespeare.

Areas to improve

• Teaching sometimes fails to present new information clearly, and checks on pupils’ understanding are not always precise, leading to “gaps in their learning” and misconceptions.
• Oversight of some aspects of the school’s work is “not as sharp as it could be,” meaning leaders lack a clear understanding of the effectiveness of their actions and impact on education quality.

Safeguarding

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