Outwood Academy Adwick is a welcoming and inclusive secondary school located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The recent inspection conducted on January 17 and 18, 2023, rated the school as good across all areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
The school is characterized by a supportive culture where high expectations are set by leaders and met by the majority of pupils. Staff foster positive relationships with students, ensuring they feel safe and valued. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, pupils are confident that staff will address the issues promptly. Although there has been a notable reduction in poor behavior over time, some lessons are still affected by low-level disruptions from a minority of pupils. Leaders acknowledge the need for further work with these students to enhance their behavior more rapidly.
The curriculum at Outwood Academy Adwick is well-planned and varied, offering a wide range of qualifications that prepare pupils for their next steps in education, employment, or training. The ambitious curriculum includes an increasing number of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate. Leaders have carefully considered the essential knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire at each stage of their education, and staff are beginning to help pupils make connections between new and prior learning.
Teaching staff present lessons with enthusiasm and are knowledgeable about their subjects. They receive support and training to ensure high-quality education is delivered consistently. Assessment practices are effective in identifying gaps in pupils' knowledge, and lessons often include opportunities for revisiting prior learning. While assessment is generally well-utilized, there are instances where gaps in knowledge are not identified as effectively as they could be.
The school places a strong emphasis on supporting the weakest readers, which has positively impacted their reading abilities. Leaders prioritize fostering a love of reading through various initiatives. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support tailored to their individual needs, ensuring they are well-supported in lessons and during transitions.
Despite improvements in attendance, some groups of pupils still experience slow progress in this area. Leaders are actively working to enhance attendance rates, particularly for those who have struggled to engage in their education. The school also provides alternative provisions for pupils facing challenges, which has positively influenced their attitudes toward learning.
Pupils benefit from a diverse range of personal development opportunities, including a life curriculum that covers essential topics such as healthy relationships and British values. Extracurricular activities, including clubs and sports teams, further enrich the students' experiences. Careers education is a notable strength, with effective guidance provided to sixth-form students regarding their future pathways.
Staff at Outwood Academy Adwick express pride in their work and benefit from regular training and development opportunities. While leaders have made significant improvements, there is a need for a clearer strategic understanding of the impact of their initiatives, particularly concerning behavior management. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils and staff.
