The Hastings Academy, located in Hastings, East Sussex, underwent an inspection on September 26 and 27, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, a significant decline from its previous inspection grade of good. The principal, Simon Addison, leads the school, which is part of the University of Brighton Academies Trust, overseen by Dr. John Smith, the CEO, and chaired by Professor Chris Pole.
The inspection highlighted that while leaders are committed to enhancing pupil behavior and attendance, progress in these areas is slow. Pupils reported improvements in behavior, and attendance is gradually increasing. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and challenging, but support for some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, is insufficient. Although pastoral support is effective and most pupils feel safe, the delivery of the personal, social, health education program is not yet fully supporting personal development.
Pupils appreciate recent changes and express a desire to achieve well. They benefit from assemblies that celebrate their achievements and promote wider development. However, tutor time activities, while well-planned, are not consistently well delivered. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and arts, and has a planned careers education program. Nevertheless, some pupils feel that the career advice provided is not tailored to their individual needs.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-planned in several subjects, but its inconsistent delivery means that not all pupils make the expected progress. Although more pupils are studying for the English Baccalaureate, the number taking languages at GCSE remains low. Teachers generally use their subject knowledge effectively, but pupils sometimes struggle to articulate their understanding of key concepts and how they connect to prior knowledge. The quality of written work varies, although literacy skills are being developed appropriately.
The PSHE program is extensive but not yet fully embedded, with links to other subjects still in development. Behavior management policies exist but are not applied consistently, leading to some low-level disruptions in lessons. While leaders effectively address bullying incidents, not all issues are reported. Attendance remains a concern, with too many pupils regularly absent, impacting their achievement and personal development. Leaders are taking steps to improve attendance, but further efforts are needed.
Staff express pride in working at the school and appreciate the support and training provided, particularly for early career teachers. However, governors do not always hold leaders accountable for the quality of education. Senior leaders, relatively new in their roles, have an ambitious vision for the school and are working to improve relationships with parents and the community. Their efforts are beginning to yield positive changes.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The inspection concluded that the quality of education needs to improve, with a focus on delivering the curriculum consistently and effectively. Additionally, behavior management practices require reinforcement to ensure a conducive learning environment. The school must continue its efforts to enhance attendance and support for all pupils, particularly those with additional needs, to ensure they benefit fully from the educational opportunities available.
