The Laurel Academy

Overview

The report states that the school is ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. Leaders are described as ‘aspirational for all pupils’, fostering a culture where students focus on learning and achieve well in external examinations. The school offers a broad curriculum with strong emphasis on reading and careers education.

Strengths

• Pupils study ‘ambitious’ courses reflecting local employment opportunities, with a growing number taking the English Baccalaureate.
• ‘Learning is rarely interrupted by poor behaviour’, and relationships between pupils and staff are ‘polite and respectful’.
• Leaders have prioritised reading fluency, implementing initiatives like ‘reading routes’ to help pupils catch up and read widely.
• The school provides ‘high-quality vocational taster days’ and independent careers advice, leading to ‘sustain appropriate future destinations’.
• Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities follow the same curriculum as their peers, with teachers adapting lessons effectively.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should continue to embed their strategy on reading and oracy, as some pupils lack the vocabulary to ‘express themselves confidently’.
• The EPC curriculum, particularly regarding religious education, is ‘not sufficiently well developed’, meaning pupils’ learning about other cultures and faiths does not contribute strongly to their personal development.

Safeguarding

The report confirms that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with knowledgeable leaders ensuring staff are well trained to identify risks and report concerns promptly.