Academy leaders determined to improve school after Ofsted identify six key areas needing attention
“We are determined to build on the foundations now in place and deliver the improvements our pupils and families deserve”
School leaders at Academy 360 are “determined” to improve the education of its pupils after Ofsted deemed six key areas as in need of attention.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools with, instead, a traffic light report card ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement needed.
The education watchdog deemed the areas of achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, personal development and wellbeing, and leadership and governance as all being in need of attention.
The school covers primary and secondary phases, and inspectors said whilst pupils feel safe their experiences of the school are “mixed” and highlighted achievement in GCSE English and mathematics are “significantly below the national average”.
The inspection team acknowledged that 2025 saw “much improved” attainment in Year 6 national tests, but “over time they have been below the national average”.
Whilst inspectors said “staff care deeply about pupils and want the best for them”, and that teaching is getting better, they noted “inconsistencies remain”, particularly in the secondary phase.
Inspectors noted improvements in provision, with a curriculum that is “broad and increasingly ambitious”, but added teachers “do not routinely identify or quickly fill gaps in pupils' knowledge” and “consequently, learning sometimes moves on before pupils are ready”.
The report also praised the teaching of phonics, which is taught well.
Lead inspector Dan McKeating expressed concerns about attendance and pupils behaviour.
He said: “Leaders' actions to improve attendance are at an early stage, but they’re not yet having sufficient impact. Across the school, behaviour is mixed. In the primary phase, pupils generally behave well.
“In the secondary phase, some staff do not apply the behaviour policy consistently. As a result, pupils' behaviour is inconsistent.”
Mr McKeating was fulsome in his praise of the school’s Early Years provision (Nursery and Reception) which was deemed to be at a strong standard.
He said: “Children get off to a flying start in the Early Years. They’ve designed an ambitious curriculum that is personalised and adapted to meet individual needs.”
Denise Taylor, Executive Principal of Academy 360, said: “We welcome the report as an opportunity to reflect honestly on where we are as a school, recognise the progress being made and remain clear about the areas where further improvement is needed.
“We are realistic about the challenges ahead, but we are determined to build on the foundations now in place and deliver the improvements our pupils and families deserve. Our focus remains firmly on ensuring every child receives a safe, caring and ambitious education that enables them to thrive academically, socially and personally.
“We’re committed to maintaining high standards, strengthening the quality and consistency of education across the school, and ensuring every pupil has the opportunities and support needed to succeed.
“We’d like to thank pupils, staff, governors, Trust colleagues and families for their continued support. Sustainable improvement is a shared endeavour.”
The school is part of Laidlaw Schools Trust.
CEO Sally Newton said: “We welcome the report’s acknowledgement of the areas Academy 360 is focusing on for improvement. I’ve every confidence in the new leadership team and their commitment to addressing these priorities and delivering the improvements our pupils deserve.
“Academy 360 will continue to work closely with its staff, governors, Trust, and families to drive improvement.”