Harriers Banbury Academy is recognized as a good school, led by Principal Stephanie Coley and part of the Aspirations Academies Trust. The school operates under the guidance of CEO Steve Kenning and a board of trustees chaired by James Pomeroy. The recent inspection, conducted on March 19 and 20, 2024, reaffirmed the school's status, highlighting its friendly and inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to be responsible, respectful, and safe. The school promotes leadership opportunities through initiatives like the Harriers Parliament councils, allowing students to engage in organizing events and contributing to the school community.
The school is committed to providing enriching experiences for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. It offers a variety of activities such as theatre trips, cooking experiences, and beach visits, ensuring that vulnerable students receive excellent support to thrive and develop diverse interests. The curriculum is designed to challenge pupils and enhance their learning, with a focus on refining key areas to improve achievement. In key stage one, students are now learning and retaining more information, fostering a love for learning and collaboration.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, starting from early years education. It emphasizes vocabulary development across all subjects, enabling pupils to articulate their knowledge with precision. Staff training has been prioritized to ensure teachers possess strong subject knowledge, allowing them to explain concepts clearly and model effective language use. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in identifying pupils' misconceptions and knowledge gaps early on, which can hinder their ability to connect new information securely.
Pupils generally achieve well in key stage two, preparing them for future educational steps. The school has recognized the need for improvement in key stage one achievement and has made adjustments to the curriculum structure, ensuring staff are well-trained to teach effectively. Reading is a significant focus, with abundant opportunities for pupils to engage with literature and develop a passion for reading from an early age.
The school environment is characterized by friendly and polite pupils who understand the importance of respect and responsible behavior. Disruptions to learning are rare, and the school promptly addresses any behavioral challenges, fostering warm relationships between staff and students. While pupils generally behave well, some struggle with maintaining high levels of concentration, which can affect their engagement with learning opportunities. The school is actively working to cultivate a culture of active engagement and sustained learning in all lessons.
Harriers Banbury Academy offers a wide range of clubs and enrichment activities, encouraging pupils to explore new talents and interests. Vulnerable students receive tailored support to ensure they can fully participate in these opportunities. Community trips teach essential life skills, contributing to the development of responsible individuals with a strong moral compass. The governance structure is robust, with trustees well-informed about the school's priorities and providing valuable support for ongoing improvements.
The leadership team has successfully balanced staff training and curriculum development while prioritizing staff well-being. Staff feel valued and recognize the positive impact of their efforts on pupil learning. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Overall, Harriers Banbury Academy continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
