Manchester Enterprise Academy has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 21 and 22 September 2021. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering high expectations among its pupils, encouraging them to strive for a fantastic future. The supportive environment enables students from diverse backgrounds to develop resilience and acquire the knowledge necessary for a positive future. Staff play a crucial role in helping pupils understand themselves and the world around them, and both pupils and sixth-form students uphold the high standards set by the school.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and feel safe, knowing they can approach staff for assistance when needed. Reports from pupils indicate that incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination are infrequent, and staff effectively manage any occurrences that do arise. The positive reinforcement from staff motivates pupils to engage actively in their learning, and they demonstrate respect for one another, contributing to a conducive learning atmosphere. Teachers effectively manage behavior, ensuring that learning is rarely disrupted.
The leadership team, including governors and trustees, has collaborated effectively to provide a high-quality education. They have cultivated a supportive culture for staff, empowering them to perform their roles confidently. Staff express satisfaction with the support they receive regarding their workload and well-being. The curriculum for pupils in Years 7 to 11 has been enhanced to be broad, balanced, and ambitious, allowing more pupils to study a wider range of subjects. The current Year 13 students are enrolled in courses that align with their interests and future aspirations, equipping them for their next steps in education, employment, or training.
Subject curriculums are designed to be demanding and sequenced effectively, enabling pupils to acquire new knowledge systematically. Teachers possess a strong understanding of their subjects and utilize assessment information to gauge pupils' knowledge and retention. Most pupils are able to acquire essential knowledge through well-structured activities. The school has also implemented suitable strategies to identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing effective support both within and outside the classroom. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that targeted support for these pupils during lessons is more effective.
The majority of pupils are confident readers, and teachers support the development of reading skills across subjects. The school has increased support for pupils at the early stages of reading, using assessment data to provide targeted assistance. Additionally, staff effectively assess the needs of pupils who speak English as an additional language, enabling them to acquire English quickly and succeed in their studies.
Behavior management is consistent and fair, resulting in most pupils behaving well. Although there are occasional instances of boisterous behavior in corridors, overall, the school has seen a reduction in incidents of bullying and violence. The school also prioritizes the wider development of pupils through programs that promote personal, social, health, and relationship education. Leaders ensure that pupils receive appropriate careers advice and guidance, preparing them for their future aspirations.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders ensuring that pupils receive relevant information about staying safe. Staff are well-trained to identify and address any concerns regarding pupil welfare. The school has established strong partnerships with external agencies to provide additional support when necessary.
To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring consistent support for pupils with special educational needs across all subjects and reinforce expectations for behavior during transitions around the school. Overall, Manchester Enterprise Academy continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
