The Archer Academy is an outstanding secondary school located in London, known for its unwavering commitment to high achievement across the curriculum. The headteacher's clear vision has been effectively implemented by the staff, resulting in an exceptional educational experience for pupils. Leadership at all levels is highly skilled, with leaders focusing on both their strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring a strong capacity for ongoing development. Pupils demonstrate significant progress throughout their time at the school, achieving high standards in various subjects, including English and mathematics. Teachers maintain high expectations and emphasize the development of subject knowledge, employing careful questioning to extend pupils' learning.
The curriculum is designed to be responsive to pupils' interests and needs, motivating them through organized and engaging content. A consistent theme of stretch and challenge is evident, promoting deeper thinking across the curriculum. Teachers benefit from high-quality training, enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs receive excellent support, with additional funding utilized effectively to ensure strong progress.
Behaviour within the school is exemplary, with pupils demonstrating orderliness and respect. They respond positively to established systems that promote exceptional conduct. Leaders prioritize the welfare and safety of pupils, fostering a happy and secure environment. Governors possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and provide effective support and challenge to ensure continuous improvement.
Despite the overall success, a small minority of pupils with low prior attainment do not achieve as well as their peers. Some teachers do not consistently account for these pupils' lower literacy skills when teaching complex concepts. To further enhance achievement, the school aims to ensure that all staff take responsibility for developing these pupils' literacy skills and find ways to simplify difficult concepts for better understanding.
Leadership and management are characterized by exceptional practices, with the headteacher's transformative leadership resulting in outstanding pupil progress and high standards. Middle leaders play a crucial role in the school's success, receiving effective support that enables them to meet expectations. Leaders accurately evaluate teaching quality and use this information to provide targeted professional development, which staff value highly.
The curriculum is well-structured, supporting strong pupil progress, particularly at key stage four, where many pupils continue to study subjects that contribute to the English Baccalaureate. The introduction of vocational courses has expanded options for pupils, enhancing their educational experience. The key stage three curriculum offers sustained intellectual challenges, fostering critical thinking and engagement.
Governance is highly effective, with governors actively contributing to the school's direction and supporting leaders in their improvement efforts. They regularly assess their effectiveness and maintain high expectations for the school's continued success.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety and regular training for staff. Leaders ensure that safeguarding concerns are properly recorded and addressed, maintaining effective communication with external agencies.
The quality of teaching is consistently strong, characterized by a focus on academic content and careful planning that meets pupils' needs. Teachers employ effective questioning strategies to assess learning and provide constructive feedback, enabling pupils to improve their work. Homework is regularly assigned, contributing to the development of independent learning skills.
Pupils are encouraged to read widely and enjoy reading for pleasure, with additional support provided for those who struggle. Overall, pupils with special educational needs and those who are disadvantaged make strong progress, while the needs of the most able pupils are well met through challenging and engaging lessons. The school effectively monitors the progress of pupils in alternative provision, ensuring their safety and success. While the majority of pupils achieve excellent outcomes, further work is needed to support those with low prior attainment to reach their full potential.
