Welland Park Academy is a secondary comprehensive school located in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. The school has undergone significant changes since becoming an academy in February 2012, including the introduction of Year 10 pupils in September 2016. The principal, who has been in position since September 2012, has played a crucial role in fostering a positive school culture that prioritizes the aspirations and ambitions of all pupils. The school has a strong leadership team that is committed to continuous improvement and has successfully managed the addition of key stage 4.
The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as good, with leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behavior, and welfare, as well as outcomes for pupils all receiving good ratings. The school has a positive culture where pupils feel supported, safe, and happy. The pastoral care provided is a notable strength, ensuring that pupils are well cared for and valued. Most pupils demonstrate excellent attitudes to learning, and bullying is reported to be rare.
The quality of teaching is consistently strong across many subjects, with teachers displaying enthusiasm and high expectations for their pupils. The curriculum is broad and balanced, promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development effectively. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education or training, and the school has implemented a comprehensive program of personal, social, health, and economic education.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, there are areas for improvement. Some inconsistencies exist in how rigorously subject leaders monitor the quality of teaching and learning. Additionally, while the school provides support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, there is a need for a clearer strategic overview of their provision to ensure these pupils achieve their potential. The attendance of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs is a concern, as they are more likely to be absent or temporarily excluded compared to their peers.
The school has made strides in closing the achievement gap for disadvantaged pupils, particularly at key stage 4, but further efforts are needed to ensure sustained progress at key stage 3. The school recognizes the importance of promoting reading across the curriculum, although a consistent emphasis on developing a culture of reading is still required.
Governance at Welland Park Academy is strong, with experienced and committed governors who support school leaders effectively. They are well-informed about the school's strengths and weaknesses and provide appropriate challenge regarding pupil outcomes and additional funding. However, there is a need for governors to hold leaders more accountable for the impact of funding on the outcomes of pupils with special educational needs.
In summary, Welland Park Academy is a good school with a strong leadership team, effective teaching, and a supportive environment for pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding the monitoring of teaching quality and the support for disadvantaged pupils, the school is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their best and are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
