Reaside Academy is a welcoming and friendly school located in Birmingham, where pupils feel happy and safe. The leadership team is dedicated to providing the best possible education for every student, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance. Initiatives such as Mondays Matter and Enrichment Fridays are designed to foster curiosity and excitement about learning, resulting in pupils who are eager to attend school and engage in their lessons.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, which is a central component of the curriculum. Highly skilled staff effectively teach reading, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to read proficiently. This focus on reading contributes to pupils achieving well and developing a love for literature. The leadership team sets high expectations for pupil behavior, which are consistently met, leading to rare incidents of poor conduct. The school effectively addresses any concerns regarding bullying, ensuring a supportive environment for all students.
Reaside Academy maintains strong relationships with parents and carers, who express high levels of satisfaction with the quality of education their children receive. Parents appreciate the information and support provided by the school, which helps them assist their children with reading, healthy lifestyles, and behavior management at home. Pupils benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities, including trips and clubs, which broaden their experiences and horizons.
The curriculum across various subjects is ambitious and well-resourced, allowing teachers to effectively support pupil learning. Regular assessments help teachers monitor pupil progress and address any mistakes, facilitating continuous improvement. While most teachers are well-trained in their subjects, some areas, such as art and design, show a need for further development in staff confidence and knowledge. This gap can affect the depth of learning in those subjects.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Leaders identify these pupils promptly and provide targeted assistance, ensuring they can access learning alongside their peers. However, there is a need for improved monitoring of the progress of SEND pupils to better inform future planning and support.
Beyond academics, the school offers opportunities for personal development, allowing pupils to take on responsibilities and learn about democracy through roles such as eco-warriors and school councillors. Pupils are encouraged to respect diversity and learn about different cultures and faiths, preparing them for life in modern society. They also engage in activities that promote enterprise skills, such as running a book club, which fosters responsible decision-making and balanced expression of views.
The leadership team, including those from the Greenheart Learning Partnership, has established clear priorities for ongoing improvement. They hold the headteacher accountable for the school's performance, and staff report feeling well-supported in managing their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements at Reaside Academy are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to concerns about pupil safety. The school fosters a culture of healthy relationships and online safety, ensuring pupils know they can trust adults in the school.
In summary, Reaside Academy is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in certain subjects and the monitoring of SEND progress, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable. The commitment to high standards in education, behavior, and personal development creates a positive atmosphere conducive to learning and growth.
