The Heights Academy

Overview

The Heights Academy provides a "warm and caring welcome" for pupils, many of whom have experienced significant educational gaps. While staff are dedicated and the curriculum is ambitious, the report states that "current inconsistencies in how the curriculum is being delivered mean pupils are not achieving as well as they could be." Consequently, all key judgement areas are rated as requiring improvement.

Strengths

• The school has designed an "ambitious curriculum" that ensures pupils access a breadth of learning similar to mainstream schools.
• Reading is a high priority; pupils "typically love to read" and receive effective, targeted support to become "confident, fluent readers."
• Staff are described as "dedicated" and "very caring," with positive relationships that genuinely prioritise pupils’ best interests.
• There is a "positive, happy atmosphere" around the school, and staff pride themselves on caring for their own well-being.

Areas to improve

• The school must reduce high levels of pupil absence, which causes pupils to miss "important learning."
• Staff need better support to ensure teaching activities are closely matched to individual pupil needs, as current variability impacts achievement.
• The school should implement a consistent approach to helping anxious pupils re-engage quickly, as current methods vary in effectiveness.
• Leaders must improve communication with parents to address dissatisfaction and foster positive partnerships.
• The school and trust need to establish effective checks to identify weaknesses and ensure swift improvements are made.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff are vigilant and supervise pupils closely.