Hanham Woods Academy is a school where ‘pupils feel safe and cared for’ and are ‘encouraged to dream big about their futures’, according to Ofsted inspectors.
A team from the education watchdog spent two days assessing the school, during which time they met leaders from the school and its trust, spoke with parents and pupils, and carried out a range of inspection activities.
Although the visit was an ungraded inspection, Ofsted confirmed Hanham Woods has ‘taken effective action’ to maintain the standards which earned the school a ‘Good’ rating previously.
Inspectors also heaped praise upon the school’s ‘ambitious curriculum’, ‘calm and orderly’ atmosphere and ‘high quality support’ staff give to pupils.
In her report, lead inspector Sarah Favager-Dalton said: “Hanham Woods Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.
“The school has high aspirations of what all pupils can achieve. Pupils are encouraged to ‘dream big’ about their futures.
“The school makes sure that pupils have the information they need to make informed decision about their next steps. Pupils move on to further education or employment that matches their ambitions.”
On teaching and curriculum, the report said: “Staff use their strong subject knowledge to explain new content clearly. The work they give to pupils is well matched to the ambitious curriculum that the school has designed.
“There is a strong focus on literacy across all areas of the curriculum. Those who have fallen behind with reading are identified and get support to catch up.”
On student behaviour, it said: “Pupils understand how the school expects them to behave. If pupils do not meet the school’s expectations, staff take prompt action. As a result, the school is calm and orderly.”
On inclusion, the report said: “Pupils learn about the importance of tolerance and respect for those from different backgrounds to them. For instance, pupils enjoyed a recent event that celebrated the diversity of cultures that pupils and staff come from.”
On attendance, it said: “Attendance is a high priority for the school. Staff have a good understanding of the reasons why pupils are absent. Key staff have built positive relationships with families to support pupils to attend more often. Pupils’ attendance has improved.”
And on leadership and governance, Ofsted added: “Leaders have an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities for development. For instance, they have made sure they have the right staff in place to improve pupils’ attendance. Those responsible for governance have the expertise they need to support and challenge the school.”
Inspectors also praised the effectiveness of Hanham Woods’ safeguarding and SEND provision, and its ‘comprehensive approach to preparing pupils for life beyond school’.
Ofsted’s verdict has been welcomed by leaders within both the school, and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
Steve O’Callaghan, Principal at Hanham Woods Academy, said:
“This is really proud moment for me as Principal, to see the hard work of colleagues, students and the wider community recognised as we continue our improvement journey.
“We welcome the outcome of the inspection and are actively pursuing further improvement to give children the best chance of success.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“Our school has maintained the strong Ofsted outcome achieved in the last inspection in 2019, which is as admirable feat during a time of considerable change for us all.
“I am delighted that the Hanham community can continue to have a school it can be proud of. Well done to the students and the team of professionals working at the school.”
