Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, located in Hayes, Middlesex, underwent an inspection on May 24 and 25, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, early years provision, and sixth-form provision were all rated as good, with behavior and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating. The school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good.
The school fosters a positive environment where leaders encourage pupils to strive for excellence and embrace the school's values, which emphasize respect, helping others, and appreciating individual differences. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, noting that their children enjoy attending. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior both in class and throughout the school, demonstrating politeness, attentiveness, and a commitment to their studies. The school sets high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that the curriculum reflects these standards.
Leaders prioritize the mental health and well-being of pupils, with initiatives such as well-being ambassadors in primary classes and a variety of extracurricular activities in secondary education, including sports and clubs. The school also emphasizes community involvement, as evidenced by recent charitable contributions to local food banks. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with strong academic outcomes reported for 2022, including high achievement in national assessments and GCSE examinations.
While the curriculum is generally clear and well-planned, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, particularly in the sixth form and early years, teaching does not consistently check for understanding or revisit prior learning, which can hinder pupils' ability to retain knowledge. Leaders are aware of these issues and are working to enhance teaching practices across the school.
The school has implemented a new reading curriculum aimed at improving pupils' reading fluency and comprehension, with staff receiving necessary training to support its delivery. Additionally, the school ensures that pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support to achieve their academic goals. The behavior of pupils is consistently high, allowing for uninterrupted learning, and leaders actively monitor behavior patterns to provide support where needed.
The personal development program includes a range of extracurricular activities and career education, starting from Year 7. Sixth-form students benefit from various career-themed opportunities, including job fairs and presentations from professionals. Staff report that senior leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being, fostering a supportive work environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a well-trained team responsible for safeguarding practices. All staff are aware of how to report concerns, and the school provides appropriate support for pupils in need, including access to a school counselor.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that teaching consistently reflects leaders' ambitious intentions across all subjects. This includes revisiting prior learning and addressing misconceptions to enhance pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. Overall, Guru Nanak Sikh Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive school community.
