Strabane Academy

Overview

This follow-up inspection confirms that Strabane Academy has made significant progress in addressing previous areas for action, with "improved structures for monitoring and evaluating pupil progress" leading to better outcomes. The school is described as a "caring, supportive, close-knit community" where staff work collegially to enhance learning experiences. The report concludes that "no further follow-up inspection is required," indicating satisfactory improvement.

Strengths

• "Almost all of the lessons observed were effective," featuring a "positive and supportive atmosphere" where pupils are "motivated and engaged."
• Staff professional learning is "underpinned by educational research" and allows staff to choose development aligned to their "individual developmental needs."
• Teachers use a "wide range of information" to identify pupils requiring targeted support, resulting in "improved target setting practices."
• Parents report their children are "making good progress," and most are "content with the quality of the teaching and support."
• Leadership forums provide middle leaders with opportunities to "review their own practice" within a "supportive community of learning."

Areas to improve

• Continue the "ongoing review of the curriculum, particularly at post-16 to improve the pupil outcomes attained."
• "Review and develop further the provision for careers education, information, advice and guidance across the school."
• Communicate to pupils the changes implemented in response to their views to ensure staff newsletters have "greater impact."

Safeguarding

The evidence demonstrates that "arrangements for child protection align to the current statutory guidance," including awareness of changes in adult protection.