Huntingdon Academy, located in Nottingham, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on September 24 and 25, 2024, and the school received outstanding ratings across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The head of school is Rebecca Riley, and the academy is part of the LEAD Academy Trust, which is overseen by CEO Diana Owen and a board of trustees chaired by Andy Buck. The school has a strong commitment to fostering individual growth and empowerment, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment where pupils feel valued and safe.
Pupils at Huntingdon Academy demonstrate exemplary behaviour and are highly engaged in their learning. The school emphasizes high expectations for both academic performance and conduct, which students consistently meet. The curriculum is well-structured and logically ordered, providing teachers with clear guidance on what to teach and when. Staff training ensures that teachers possess strong subject knowledge, enabling them to effectively impart this knowledge to students. Learning is broken down into manageable steps, allowing pupils to grasp new concepts securely. Teachers are adept at checking understanding and addressing misconceptions promptly, which contributes to the high quality of pupils' work.
The school places a significant emphasis on reading from the early years, with a focus on developing communication and language skills. The phonics programme is delivered with expertise, and regular assessments ensure that any pupils falling behind receive the necessary support to catch up. The early years environment is described as magical, with well-established routines and engaging learning activities tailored to children's needs and interests. This approach fosters high levels of self-control and eagerness to learn among the children.
Huntingdon Academy also excels in supporting pupils who speak English as an additional language, providing bespoke support that enables them to achieve well across the curriculum. The school’s commitment to inclusivity extends to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. The school community is characterized by a strong sense of responsibility, with pupils taking on roles such as subject ambassadors and school councillors, contributing to fundraising events and the overall culture of the school.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum equips pupils with a thorough understanding of healthy relationships and safety, both in the community and online. The well-being club offers students a space to reflect on their mental health. Staff at the school express pride in being part of such a positive and successful team, appreciating the support provided for their workload and well-being. The collaborative efforts of governors, trust members, and school staff ensure that all pupils achieve exceptionally well.
Overall, Huntingdon Academy is a vibrant and successful educational institution where pupils thrive academically and personally. The school’s values are deeply embedded in all aspects of school life, fostering a culture of respect and support. The recent inspection confirms the school’s outstanding status, highlighting its commitment to excellence in education and the well-being of its pupils.
