Passmores Academy, located in Harlow, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on February 14 and 15, 2024. Under the leadership of Principal Natalie Christie, the school is part of The Passmores Cooperative Learning Community, which involves shared governance with a board of trustees led by Neil Lawson and overseen by CEO Victor Goddard. The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment where pupils demonstrate respect for both staff and peers. Notably, the school excels in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that those in the specially resourced provision, known as the Hub, integrate seamlessly into the broader school community.
Students at Passmores Academy benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities, including musical productions and sports like curling. Many participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, showcasing their commitment to personal development and community involvement. Pupils are actively engaged in school governance, discussing important issues through pupil panels and leading initiatives such as mental health support for younger students and fundraising for the charity ‘No Child Without.’ The school promotes a strong work ethic among its students, who generally exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school. When behavioral challenges arise, appropriate support is provided to help students meet the high expectations set by staff.
The curriculum at Passmores Academy is broad and ambitious, designed to provide a rich educational experience. The school is focused on increasing the number of students studying the English Baccalaureate subjects, with modern foreign languages and humanities gaining popularity among pupils. Students consistently perform well in national examinations at the end of Year 11, attributed to a well-structured curriculum that builds progressively on their learning. However, persistent absenteeism remains a challenge, impacting overall performance. The school is actively working to re-engage these students in their education.
Staff at Passmores Academy possess strong subject knowledge and effectively break down complex concepts into manageable parts. They assess students' understanding before advancing to more challenging material, fostering confidence in their prior learning. Nonetheless, there are instances where time management in lessons could be improved, as some teachers may spend excessive time on recall activities or ask too many closed questions, which can limit deeper understanding.
Support for students learning to read is robust, with tailored programs in place for those in nurture groups. The school is ambitious in its approach, encouraging students to engage with age-appropriate texts. Additionally, extensive provisions are made for students with special educational needs, with staff collaborating with external agencies to ensure necessary support is provided. While progress has been made, further work is needed to address the needs of students with social, emotional, and mental health challenges, as evidenced by higher suspension rates among this group.
The school emphasizes the importance of providing students with experiences beyond academics, covering essential themes such as healthy relationships and online safety. Careers education is comprehensive, equipping students with knowledge about various pathways, including apprenticeships. The local governing body and trust members are well-informed about the school’s operations, ensuring effective leadership and management. Staff express pride in their work environment, feeling valued and heard.
Safeguarding measures at Passmores Academy are effective, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of pedagogical approaches among staff, emphasizing the need for clear and purposeful assignments that enhance students' understanding of the curriculum. Overall, Passmores Academy continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering an inclusive community.
