Ofsted praises inclusive culture at The Hastings Academy as school moves ‘from strength to strength'
The Hastings Academy has welcomed the findings of its recent Ofsted inspection, which confirms that the school is meeting the expected standard in almost all areas, with safeguarding judged to be effective.
Ofsted praises inclusive culture at The Hastings Academy as school moves ‘from strength to strength
The Hastings Academy has welcomed the findings of its recent Ofsted inspection, which confirms that the school is meeting the expected standard in almost all areas, with safeguarding judged to be effective.
Under Ofsted’s new national inspection framework, “expected” reflects what parents and carers should reasonably expect from a good school: a safe environment, positive behaviour, strong relationships, an ambitious curriculum and leaders who act in pupils’ best interests.
Inspectors recognised a number of clear strengths across the school, including behaviour, attendance, curriculum quality and leadership. Classrooms were described as calm and orderly, relationships between staff and pupils as warm and respectful, and leaders as being driven by a “strong moral purpose” and “high ambition for every pupil” .
Ofsted also highlighted the school’s inclusive culture, noting that “the school promotes an inclusive culture in which pupils are supported to overcome the challenges they face”. Inspectors recognised that pupils are known well as individuals and benefit from strong pastoral care, which helps them feel safe, secure and ready to learn.
The report acknowledged the school’s work to support pupils who need additional help, including those with SEND and those at an earlier stage of learning to read. Inspectors noted that pupils receive effective, well-matched support where needed, and that leaders and staff are particularly aware of pupils who have not yet secured key knowledge, helping them to catch up successfully.
The inspection identified achievement as the only area “needing attention”. The report highlights that this reflects historic examination outcomes being below national averages, rather than the quality of education pupils currently receive. Inspectors recognised that leaders are “taking decisive steps to address weaknesses” and that these actions are “beginning to have a positive impact”, with gaps in pupils’ knowledge and skills starting to narrow.
Speaking following the inspection,:
Simon Addison, Principal of The Hastings Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of the progress this school has made. This report recognises a calm, inclusive and ambitious school where pupils are supported to do well academically and personally.
We have taken decisive action to strengthen behaviour, attendance and teaching, and pupils are now learning more securely than in the past. That matters to every family.
We are not done. With our current cohorts on track for our strongest results to date, this inspection marks a milestone — not the finish line. This is a school our community can be proud of.”
James Heafield, Head of Academy, said: “This inspection reflects the daily reality of life at The Hastings Academy. Pupils and families see calmer classrooms, stronger relationships and teaching that is increasingly consistent and ambitious.
Our focus now is on embedding these improvements so that the progress pupils are making in lessons is translated into sustained, strong outcomes.”
Mark Blackman, Interim CEO of the University of Brighton Academies Trust, said: “Trustees and I are delighted to see the hard work undertaken by the school recognised in this report. We want to thank and congratulate the students, governors and staff on such a positive outcome.”
The Hastings Academy remains firmly committed to continuing its improvement journey and ensuring it delivers the very best for every student in its care.