Horbury Academy
Wakefield Road, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 5HE
Pupils
1109
Ages
11 - 16
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Academy Converter
Head Teacher
Mrs Nicola Walker
Horbury Academy, a Co-educational school catering for 1109 pupils aged 11-16, is a beacon of academic excellence and holistic development. With 22% of students achieving high scores in key stage 2 and an average score of 104.2, the school is dedicated to nurturing academic potential. The pastoral care at Horbury Academy is exemplary, with 4% of students having SEN statements and EHC plans, ensuring that every student’s individual needs are met. Additionally, the school celebrates diversity, with 5% of students having English as an additional language.
Moreover, Horbury Academy offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom. The school’s inclusive atmosphere fosters a sense of community and belonging, creating a supportive environment for all students to thrive.
Looking ahead, Horbury Academy continues to uphold its commitment to academic excellence and student well-being. For those interested in learning more about the school, upcoming open days provide a first-hand opportunity to experience the vibrant and enriching educational environment that Horbury Academy offers. In conclusion, Horbury Academy stands out as a nurturing and inclusive school that prioritizes both academic achievement and student well-being.
Students Reaching
Expected Standards
69%
National Average: 65%
Students Reaching
High Standards
55%
National Average: 11%
Horbury Academy, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was inspected on 5 and 6 October 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in January 2016.
The school is characterized by high expectations set by its leaders for all pupils. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to build pupils' confidence, fostering a culture where every student is expected to succeed. Pupils report feeling well-supported in their academic pursuits and enjoy attending school. They appreciate the challenges posed by their teachers, which encourages them to strive for their best.
In terms of classroom behaviour, most pupils concentrate well, and there is minimal disruption to learning. Transitions between lessons are calm, and pupils respect social spaces. The consistent application of the behaviour and consequences system by staff has contributed to improved behaviour overall. Pupils feel safe at school and are aware of the processes in place for reporting concerns. While bullying is reported as rare, some pupils do experience hurtful comments from peers, including inappropriate language.
Horbury Academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama. Year 11 prefects play a role in supporting the pupil council and regularly meet with school leaders, ensuring that pupils feel their voices are heard.
The school excels in its ambitious curriculum, which is well-structured to help pupils learn and retain important knowledge. Teachers closely follow curriculum plans, and in most subjects, the delivery is effective in reinforcing prior learning. However, there are some inconsistencies in the organization of subject knowledge in certain subjects for Years 7 to 9, which can hinder pupils' ability to build on their prior learning.
Teachers are aware of the additional support some pupils require, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Clear support plans are in place, and both teachers and teaching assistants effectively implement these plans, allowing pupils with SEND to work independently alongside their peers.
Upon joining the school, pupils' reading abilities are assessed, enabling staff to identify those who may need extra help. Leaders ensure that appropriate support is provided to help all pupils become confident and fluent readers.
The school has a strong focus on preparing pupils for their future, with a robust careers programme starting in Year 7. The school meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, providing information about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. Year 11 pupils express satisfaction with the careers advice they receive, feeling well-prepared for their next steps.
The personal development curriculum is well-planned and effectively delivered, covering essential topics such as health and the responsible use of technology. While pupils value these lessons, some have expressed a desire for deeper exploration of certain issues.
Despite the positive environment, some pupils perceive certain rules as unjust, although they understand their purpose. A minority of pupils report hearing inappropriate language from peers but may not feel confident in reporting it due to concerns about whether it will be addressed.
Attendance remains a challenge, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, with persistent absence being a concern. Leaders are working to improve attendance rates, but more efforts are needed to ensure that all pupils attend school regularly.
Staff express strong support for school leadership, feeling proud to work at Horbury Academy. Leaders listen to staff and have made changes to manage workload and support well-being. Governors are knowledgeable and have received training to better support and challenge school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at Horbury Academy are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff are well-trained and aware of how to address concerns regarding pupil safety. The school’s resource base effectively supports vulnerable pupils, and the curriculum helps pupils understand how to keep themselves safe.
Last Updated: 9 December 2024
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