Castle View Enterprise Academy, located in Sunderland, has received a positive inspection report, indicating overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on June 27 and 28, 2023, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in March 2017. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as good, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and high-expectation environment for students.
The school is characterized by positive relationships between staff and pupils, creating a respectful and warm atmosphere. Pupils express pride in their school and benefit from personalized pastoral care within an inclusive setting. The school prioritizes safety, with rare instances of bullying, and when issues arise, staff address them promptly and effectively. The school's 'twin-track' system supports pupils in reflecting on their behavior, promoting personal growth and reducing repeat mistakes.
Personal development is a notable strength, with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities available, including cadets, sports, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The 'pathways programme' allows pupils to engage in additional curriculum activities related to football, cricket, or performing arts, focusing on skill development and character building through teamwork and coaching.
Recent curriculum reviews have led to improvements in the quality of education. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to build pupils' understanding over time, with a strong emphasis on supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. In mathematics, for instance, the curriculum is well-embedded, ensuring pupils are prepared for future learning stages. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively break down learning objectives, although there are instances where understanding is not systematically checked, leading to some gaps in knowledge.
While some subjects benefit from effective teaching strategies, these approaches are not consistently applied across all areas. Leaders have prioritized reading across the curriculum, with developing support for pupils facing reading difficulties. However, there is a need for further embedding strategies to enhance subject-specific reading skills and promote a culture of reading for pleasure among pupils.
The school sets high standards for behavior, which pupils generally meet. Instances of disruption are managed effectively, and the school has clear systems for tracking attendance and providing necessary support. Leaders are actively working to improve attendance rates, and their efforts are beginning to show positive results.
The school has established a robust careers programme, supported by strong links with local businesses, providing pupils with insights into various further education pathways, including colleges and apprenticeships. Staff well-being and workload are considered, with positive feedback regarding the support provided for professional development, contributing to a motivated workforce.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are knowledgeable about identifying potential risks, and leaders work closely with external agencies to ensure families receive necessary support. The school has clear recruitment processes to ensure staff suitability for working with children.
To further improve, leaders need to ensure the curriculum is consistently implemented across all subjects, addressing any gaps in pupils' knowledge. Additionally, enhancing subject-specific reading support and fostering a wider enjoyment of reading among pupils are essential areas for development. Overall, Castle View Enterprise Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
