Following the short inspection of Havant Academy on December 4, 2018, it has been confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively maintained this standard since the last inspection in June 2015. Under the passionate leadership of Victoria Adams, who became head of school in January 2018, the school has made significant progress. The cohesive staff team, supported by a dedicated leadership group, is committed to delivering quality education for all pupils. The governing body plays a crucial role in supporting and holding leaders accountable, ensuring that the school’s vision for improvement is shared and understood.
The leadership has strengthened lines of accountability, with senior leaders regularly meeting department heads to monitor pupil progress. New target-setting and assessment processes have raised teachers' expectations, leading to improved pupil responses to challenges. The staff's commitment to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or ability, succeed is a notable strength of the school. Professional development opportunities for staff, particularly for middle leaders, have been enhanced, contributing to a positive working environment.
The previous inspection highlighted the need for teaching to connect new and prior learning while setting challenging work. Recent improvements have been made in this area, with the school utilizing high-quality support from the academy trust and providing regular training for teachers. Safeguarding measures are effective, with all policies and records up to date. Staff receive regular training and understand their responsibilities well, promoting a culture of vigilance and care. Pupils feel safe and well cared for, with a strong emphasis on online safety and respect for diversity.
The inspection findings indicate that the leadership team has addressed the dip in performance observed in 2018. Changes to the curriculum and increased expectations for teachers have led to improved academic progress, particularly in Year 11. The introduction of a Progress 20 group has provided additional support for pupils. However, there is recognition that the most able pupils are not yet achieving their full potential. Monitoring of teaching and learning has improved, leading to greater consistency in teaching quality across the school.
Pupils are making good progress in subjects such as English, history, science, geography, and art, thanks to effective teaching strategies. However, mathematics remains an area for improvement, as teachers need to focus more on developing pupils' skills and knowledge. The curriculum has been revised to better prepare pupils for their next educational steps, and there is a greater emphasis on literacy across subjects.
Attendance rates have improved and are now in line with national averages, following concerted efforts by leaders to address absenteeism. Behaviour is also improving, with a reduction in exclusions and positive relationships between pupils and staff. The school promotes a culture of respect and well-being, with pupils actively participating in their learning and social interactions.
Moving forward, leaders and governors are tasked with ensuring that the most able pupils consistently make good progress across all subjects and that improvements in mathematics effectively raise standards in pupils' learning. The overall findings reflect a school that is committed to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
