Wellacre Technology Academy, located in Flixton, Manchester, underwent an inspection on 17 and 18 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, a decline from its previous inspection grade of good. The quality of education was also assessed as requiring improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, were rated as good. Leadership and management were found to require improvement as well.
The headteacher, Julie Sharrock, leads the school, which is part of the Wellacre Technology Academy Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Andrew Young. The school has a strong emphasis on fostering articulate, polite, and well-mannered pupils who demonstrate mutual respect and high expectations for behaviour. Pupils are generally happy and proud to attend the school, which promotes a caring community.
The curriculum at Wellacre Technology Academy is ambitious, with an increasing number of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects. However, the school has not consistently maintained high expectations for all pupils' academic achievements. Some pupils do not develop their knowledge effectively over time, hindering their learning potential. The school does provide ample opportunities for wider personal development, with various leadership roles available for pupils, including career champions and sports ambassadors. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are actively included in school life.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, encouraging pupils to read for enjoyment and regularly assessing their reading abilities. This approach has led to successful literacy catch-up programs that help close gaps in reading skills, enabling better access to the curriculum. The key stage three curriculum has been redesigned to be more ambitious, with some subjects clearly identifying essential knowledge and how it builds over time. However, in other subjects, the lack of clarity in what needs to be taught has resulted in pupils not achieving a deep understanding of concepts.
While teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge, the delivery of the curriculum is inconsistent. Some teachers do not employ the most effective methods for facilitating learning, and the activities designed do not always reinforce important information. Additionally, assessment strategies are not effectively utilized to identify gaps in learning, leading to misconceptions that hinder pupil achievement. The school has not accurately identified the necessary actions to enhance the quality of education provided.
Pupils benefit from robust pastoral support, which contributes to their good behaviour in lessons and social settings. The school has made strides in improving attendance rates, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, and parents express positive views about the support their children receive. The school actively engages with parents, especially those of pupils with special educational needs, to involve them in their children's education.
The school is dedicated to enhancing pupils' personal development, providing enriching experiences and preparing them for their future roles in society. Initiatives such as volunteering at local care homes and engaging with further education providers help pupils make informed choices about their futures. Nearly all pupils progress to education, employment, or training after leaving the school.
Staff at Wellacre Technology Academy are committed to the school's values, and leaders are focused on reducing workload and supporting staff well-being. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must address the identified areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum delivery, assessment strategies, and ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
