St Leonards school reports 'significant reduction in exclusions' since 'inadequate' rating inspection by Ofsted

The St Leonards Academy, in Edinburgh Road, also said it has made ‘meaningful improvements’ with better pupil attendance.

It was rated by Ofsted as ‘inadequate’ for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

The inspection was carried out in January. The report was published on April 30.

Ofsted said the rate of pupil suspensions remained ‘too high’.

At its previous inspection in 2022, Ofsted rated the school as ‘requires improvement’.

In the latest inspection Ofsted said the school had not ‘acted swiftly enough to stem the decline in standards identified at the previous inspection’.

The school is part of the University of Brighton Academies Trust.

In their report Ofsted inspectors said: “The school’s actions to improve pupils’ attendance and behaviour are not effective enough. Too many pupils miss vital time in school due to absence, so their learning is severely disrupted.

“Too few pupils attend school regularly. The school has not done enough to prioritise the improvement of attendance for pupils with high absence rates.

“A considerable minority of pupils do not respect each other or the school’s expectations for behaviour. The rate of suspensions remains too high and continues to increase. A significant minority of pupils misbehave and are suspended for poor behaviour.

“In lessons, many pupils’ attitudes to learning are generally positive. However, a substantial number fail to engage with their learning, and this is often not challenged by staff.”

Ofsted said most pupils at the school felt safe.

However, the report said: “Some pupils, parents and carers, raised concerns with inspectors about how effectively the school deals with bullying. The school has a robust policy for dealing with bullying when it is reported, and staff provide appropriate support and sanctions when bullying is confirmed.”

Ofsted said the school had experienced ‘much turbulence and uncertainty’.

“Improvements to the curriculum and teaching are too slow. In a few subjects, pupils’ achievement is improving, but, in many, teaching is too inconsistent and does not focus on pupils’ learning strongly enough,” the report said.

Inspectors said The St Leonards Academy did not ‘prioritise reading strongly enough’.

They said: “The school does not support pupils who need help with comprehension and fluency, except in Year 7. In mainstream classes, teaching does not meet the needs of pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).”

A spokesperson for The St Leonards Academy said: “We acknowledge the recent Ofsted inspection outcomes and are naturally disappointed with the headline grades. However, we are pleased that the report recognises a number of strengths, including our safe and supportive environment, positive pupil attitudes, effective safeguarding, and a strong personal development curriculum.

“Since the inspection, we have already made meaningful improvements, including strengthened teaching through new staff appointments, improved attendance, and a significant reduction in exclusions. We are also seeing more pupils engaging in enrichment activities and clubs.

“The academy is firmly on an improvement journey, and we are committed to building on this momentum. With the continued support of our parents, carers and wider community, we remain focused on ensuring every pupil receives the education, opportunities and support they deserve.”