Halewood Academy, located in Knowsley, Merseyside, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 16 and 17, 2022. The school is characterized by a caring community where leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and learning. Students achieve well, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The strong relationships between pupils and staff foster self-confidence, and students report feeling happy and safe. They are encouraged to voice concerns about bullying, which staff address promptly and effectively. The school promotes respect for diversity, and most pupils exhibit friendly and courteous behavior, although a small minority struggle with self-regulation outside of lessons.
Pupils engage in a variety of activities that stimulate their interests, such as educational trips and extracurricular sports. Parents and carers generally express support for the school, often noting its role in developing well-rounded individuals. The leadership team, including trustees and governors, has ambitious goals for the students. The curriculum is well-structured, emphasizing the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, which has seen an increase in pupil participation. Subject leaders have carefully organized the curriculum to ensure that essential knowledge is taught in a logical sequence.
In most subjects, pupils have opportunities to practice and build upon their existing knowledge, with teachers regularly revisiting previous learning to enhance retention and achievement. However, in a few subjects, some pupils lack confidence and struggle to connect new learning with prior knowledge due to insufficient opportunities for review. This has resulted in some pupils not progressing as well as they could in these areas.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing the necessary support to ensure they can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Early readers receive strong support to improve their fluency, which enhances their overall confidence in reading and helps them engage with the wider curriculum. Most pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and behave well in lessons, although a small minority exhibit less desirable behavior during unstructured times. Some staff may not consistently apply the agreed behavior management strategies, leading to occasional disruptions.
The personal development curriculum equips pupils to become responsible citizens, covering topics such as relationships, sex education, and health education. Pupils learn about various cultures and beliefs, preparing them for life in modern Britain. The school also offers a well-structured careers program, resulting in a high percentage of pupils progressing to further education and training, including those with special educational needs.
Trustees and governors provide effective support and challenge to school leaders, ensuring a clear direction for the institution. They are committed to enhancing the quality of education for all pupils while also considering the workload and well-being of staff, who express pride in working at Halewood Academy.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff aware of potential risks to pupils, including online dangers. They are vigilant in reporting concerns, and leaders ensure that pupils receive the necessary support from external agencies when needed. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including understanding the risks of peer-on-peer abuse.
To improve, the school should focus on providing more opportunities for pupils to revisit previous curriculum content in certain subjects to build confidence and secure knowledge. Additionally, consistent application of behavior management systems is necessary to address the behavior of a small minority of pupils during unstructured times. Overall, Halewood Academy continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its students.
