The Featherstone Academy, located in Featherstone, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 23 and 24, 2022. The school demonstrates a strong understanding of the community it serves, which informs its curriculum planning aimed at fostering both academic success and personal development among pupils. Staff members are aligned with the leadership's vision, creating a cohesive environment focused on the well-being and growth of students.
Pupils at the academy are encouraged to become resilient learners through initiatives like the Applied Resilience program. This program allows younger students to explore new skills and interests, such as Latin, sports leadership, and engineering, which enhances their confidence and supports their overall learning. Students express appreciation for this diversity in learning opportunities, highlighting its positive impact on their educational experience.
Safety is a priority at the Featherstone Academy, with pupils feeling secure and supported by pastoral staff. Year 7 students receive particular attention to help them transition smoothly into secondary education. The school takes a firm stance against bullying, ensuring that any incidents are addressed promptly.
The leadership sets high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in generally calm and orderly lessons. While many students report improvements in behavior over time, some still experience disruptions in certain subjects. A small number of pupils struggle to consistently meet the school's behavior standards, indicating an area for further development.
The curriculum is centered around academic subjects, with most Year 10 pupils pursuing GCSEs in English Baccalaureate subjects, including history, geography, and modern foreign languages. The introduction of additional subjects like music and computing reflects the new principal's commitment to broadening the curriculum. Leaders are actively working to ensure that all pupils have access to a wide range of subjects, particularly at key stages three and four.
The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively. For instance, in history, students develop a deep understanding of significant concepts over their time at the school. The curriculum is inclusive, catering for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the same learning opportunities as their peers.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and frequently assess pupils' understanding to reinforce learning. This approach helps students retain important information and prepares them for future academic challenges. Reading is emphasized, with targeted support for pupils who arrive with gaps in their reading skills.
While the behavior management system is generally effective, there are instances of disruption caused by a minority of pupils. Leaders are encouraged to continue working on strategies to minimize the time pupils spend out of lessons due to behavioral issues.
The school invests in supporting Year 7 and 8 pupils to adapt to secondary school life, with the Applied Resilience program contributing to their development as determined learners. Staff members feel well-supported and appreciate the leadership's visibility and commitment to their well-being.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff receiving regular training and being vigilant about potential risks to pupils. The pastoral support available is valued by students, particularly in relation to mental health and well-being.
In summary, while the Featherstone Academy is recognized as a good school, there are areas for improvement, particularly in expanding the curriculum and addressing behavioral challenges among a small group of pupils. The leadership's proactive approach and commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all students are evident and will be crucial in driving further progress.
