The Ferrars Academy

Overview

The Ferrars Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils are proud, confident, and eager to learn. Leaders have established clear curriculum plans that support steady progress, particularly in early reading, while fostering a caring community where bullying is rare and relationships are strong.

Strengths

• Pupils are enthusiastic learners who "relish the opportunities available to take responsibility" and act as "eco warriors" and play leaders.
• Teachers maintain high expectations, introducing ambitious vocabulary from Nursery and regularly checking understanding to ensure pupils build on previous learning.
• Reading is a clear priority, with well-planned phonics instruction and access to books enabling most pupils to "learn to read confidently and well."
• Relationships are positive and inclusive; pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "carefully planned, personalised support" from adults who know them well.
• Behaviour is sensible and respectful, with teachers quickly refocusing attention, allowing everyone to "get on with their learning."

Areas to improve

• In a few subjects, some staff lack the necessary expertise to teach the curriculum plans effectively, leading to occasional deviations and unchecked misconceptions.
• Leaders must ensure all staff develop the subject knowledge required to teach the planned curriculum consistently so that all pupils achieve well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with well-trained adults who are vigilant for risks, report concerns immediately, and work persistently with external agencies to secure help for pupils and families.