The Sutton Academy, located in St Helens, Merseyside, has undergone a recent inspection that highlights its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on June 14 and 15, 2022, and the school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils at The Sutton Academy thrive in an environment that promotes a well-structured and ambitious curriculum. This curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge needed for their future endeavors. The expectations set by leaders and teachers are high, and pupils respond positively, achieving commendable results. The school fosters a culture of kindness and acceptance, where diversity is celebrated, and discriminatory behavior is rare. This inclusive atmosphere contributes to pupils feeling safe and happy, allowing them to express themselves freely. Teachers are proactive in addressing any instances of bullying, ensuring a supportive environment for all students.
The relationships between pupils and teachers are strong, with pupils demonstrating exemplary behavior in both academic and social settings. Classrooms are described as calm and conducive to learning, even for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The personal development curriculum is robust, providing pupils with opportunities to engage in discussions about relevant issues, thereby enhancing their confidence. The extensive enrichment program, which includes a variety of clubs and activities, is highly appreciated by pupils.
Leaders have made significant strides in enhancing the quality of education. They are dedicated to addressing disadvantage and ensuring that all pupils have access to a broad and knowledge-rich curriculum. The curriculum is meticulously planned from key stage three to key stage five, with a clear focus on the knowledge required for each subject. Subject leaders have mapped out this knowledge, ensuring that all teachers are aligned in their teaching objectives. This approach guarantees that all pupils, regardless of their background or ability, can access the same high-quality education.
Teachers are well-versed in their subjects and deliver the curriculum effectively, employing appropriate activities that help pupils apply their knowledge. The emphasis on vocabulary development empowers pupils and is reflected in the high-quality work they produce. The strong curriculum design has also allowed for refined assessment strategies, enabling teachers to gauge pupil understanding effectively. However, there are instances where some pupils struggle to recall essential knowledge fluently, indicating a need for more consistent assessment practices across all subjects.
Leaders are adept at identifying the additional needs of pupils, particularly those with special educational needs. This ensures that teachers receive timely information to support these pupils effectively. The school has prioritized reading, providing access to diverse and high-quality texts that engage pupils and challenge stereotypes. While most pupils show improvement in their reading abilities, there are gaps in identifying specific phonics knowledge deficits, which can hinder some pupils from catching up quickly.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, contributing to a disruption-free environment. Attendance rates are high, reflecting the commitment of both pupils and staff. The personal development opportunities provided by leaders are well-planned, focusing on fostering respectful and tolerant citizens. Support for mental well-being is robust, and students in the sixth form receive tailored guidance to help them choose appropriate courses for their future.
Trustees play a crucial role in supporting leaders to enhance educational quality, and staff morale is high due to the investment in their professional development. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding embedded within the school. Leaders ensure that staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, creating a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, The Sutton Academy demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its students.
