Aylward Academy, located in Enfield, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 1-2, 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and are encouraged to find their remarkable qualities. The motto of the school is actively supported by both staff and students, promoting values such as being big-hearted and championing equality. The school has established a student union that plays a vital role in gathering pupil feedback on school practices, ensuring that students feel their voices are heard. The leadership team maintains high expectations for all pupils, which is evident throughout the school.
Pupils report feeling safe and understand the behavioral expectations set by teachers. Parents and carers express positive sentiments regarding the support provided by staff, and students describe the school as a community where friendships are valued. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, with bullying ambassadors available to assist those in need. The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, including clubs that range from gardening to chess, enhancing the overall educational experience.
The curriculum has seen significant development since the last inspection, with leaders focusing on ambitious goals for student learning. Curriculum leaders design lessons that build knowledge progressively, allowing pupils to grasp concepts in stages. For instance, in Spanish, students first learn to use the verb to wear before adding descriptive vocabulary. In the sixth form, feedback provided after assessments helps students improve their work, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning.
Teachers are knowledgeable about their subjects and provide timely support to pupils who struggle with key content. In subjects like French and science, teachers actively address misunderstandings to ensure clarity in learning. Pupils are achieving well across various subjects, and the emphasis on recalling previous knowledge is evident in lessons. However, some pupils in key stage three face challenges in connecting prior learning to new concepts, particularly in history.
Pupils engage well in lessons and are encouraged to use academic vocabulary, which supports those who speak English as an additional language. The school promotes a culture of reading, providing access to an electronic library tailored to students' reading levels. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the same curriculum as their peers and receive support to foster independence.
Leadership opportunities are available for sixth-form students, who engage in activities that address contemporary issues, such as racism in football. Mental health is prioritized, and the well-being of both staff and pupils is supported by leaders and governors. Staff describe their teams as a family, appreciating the efforts made to reduce workload.
The safeguarding arrangements at Aylward Academy are effective, with staff receiving regular training and being well-prepared to identify and act on concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders are aware of local challenges and provide timely training on issues such as county lines and online safety. The school collaborates with external agencies to ensure the safety of pupils outside of school hours.
While the curriculum in key stages four and five is well-planned, there is a need for improvement in key stage three to ensure that pupils can make connections between previously learned knowledge and new content. This will help deepen their understanding across the curriculum. Overall, Aylward Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
