The Hyndburn Academy

Overview

The Hyndburn Academy is described as a school where leaders have taken "decisive and effective action" following significant leadership changes, resulting in a "calm and orderly" environment. While attendance and behaviour meet the expected standard, pupil achievement in public examinations has historically been below national averages, though current pupils are now making "appropriate progress" through the curriculum.

Strengths

• Leaders have established "robust and coherent systems" to monitor attendance, ensuring pupils attend regularly and persistent absence is reduced.
• Behaviour is "calm and orderly" with bullying being "rare"; staff apply behaviour systems effectively, and pupils know how to behave.
• The curriculum is "typically taught well" with teachers using "secure subject knowledge" and making appropriate adaptations for pupils with special educational needs.
• Leaders provide effective support for disadvantaged pupils and those known to social care, using "research-informed strategies" and partnerships to reduce barriers to learning.
• Pupils benefit from a "wide-ranging and thoughtful approach" to personal development, including leadership opportunities and career guidance.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must carry out checks of what pupils know and can do "consistently and effectively" so that gaps in knowledge are addressed promptly.
• Leaders should ensure pupils receive timely academic help to achieve well in national examinations at the end of year 11.
• Leaders should further develop their work with parents and carers to create an "effective partnership" between home and school.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.