Ofsted conducted an urgent inspection of The Portsmouth Academy on 18 October 2023, focusing on safeguarding arrangements due to concerns regarding the quality of education, leadership effectiveness, and pupil behavior. The inspection, carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005, involved a thorough review of safeguarding practices, including the single central record and discussions with the principal, senior leadership team, and trust leaders. The findings indicate that safeguarding is effective, with up-to-date training and thorough recruitment checks in place. Staff are well-informed about their responsibilities in reporting concerns, and there is a strong understanding of the risks pupils may face outside of school. The school has established positive relationships with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils.
However, the inspection revealed that some pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are not having their needs identified promptly, particularly in Years 7 and 8. This has resulted in a small number of pupils experiencing difficulties in attending lessons and disrupting learning, leading to increased suspensions and internal isolation. The leadership team has recognized these issues and is implementing a detailed action plan to address behavior concerns, including staff training aligned with a new behavior policy and restructuring pastoral support.
The school is committed to improving attendance, with systems in place to monitor absences and support pupils who struggle to attend regularly. While there are positive signs of improvement, further analysis of attendance records is necessary to identify patterns and provide additional support. Pupils have noted the initial impact of the changes, appreciating the knowledge and skills of their teachers, although some express frustration over disruptions caused by a minority of pupils.
The trust is actively involved in supporting the school, with leaders present daily to oversee the implementation of new systems and processes. Governance is also engaged, with trustees meeting regularly with stakeholders to ensure that actions taken are effective in enhancing educational standards. The inspection highlighted the need for ongoing development in identifying and supporting pupils with SEND, particularly during the transition from primary to secondary education. Staff require further training to effectively meet the individual needs of these pupils, ensuring early intervention is in place.
Overall, while The Portsmouth Academy demonstrates effective safeguarding practices and a commitment to improvement, challenges remain in addressing the needs of some pupils, particularly those with SEND. The leadership team is aware of these challenges and is taking steps to enhance the educational experience for all pupils, focusing on behavior management, attendance, and support for vulnerable students. The ongoing support from the trust and the commitment to continuous improvement are crucial for the school’s development and success in providing a high-quality education.
