England Lane Academy, located in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024, and has been rated as outstanding in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The head of the academy, Lisa Cooke, leads the school, which is part of the Delta Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Paul Tarn and a board of trustees chaired by Steven Peter Hodsman.
Pupils at England Lane Academy thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment where high aspirations are shared among leaders and staff. Strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a sense of safety and enjoyment in attending school. The school places a strong emphasis on regular attendance, providing extensive support to ensure that all pupils arrive on time and ready to learn. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with leaders having reviewed and improved all subject areas. Lessons are well-designed and sequenced, engaging pupils and fostering enthusiasm for learning, resulting in excellent progress from their starting points.
Behaviour in the school is consistently positive, with clear procedures for managing behaviour that pupils understand and follow. Adults apply rewards and sanctions consistently, contributing to a positive school culture. Pupils are encouraged to be role models and actively participate in the school community, with opportunities to learn about democracy and support their peers through initiatives like the pupil mental health ambassadors.
Reading is a key focus at England Lane Academy, with a wide selection of books available to inspire a love of reading among pupils. The school has effectively embedded reading across the curriculum, starting from the early years, where children are introduced to nursery rhymes, songs, and stories. Although outcomes in reading at the end of Year 6 in 2023 were below national expectations, swift actions have been taken to improve this, including enhancing emotional resilience and strengthening subject leadership. Current progress and attainment levels are now extremely positive.
The writing curriculum is robust, incorporating a variety of text types and purposes, which motivates pupils to see themselves as writers. Mathematics is a particular strength, with pupils demonstrating enthusiasm and a solid understanding of number concepts. Teachers possess excellent subject knowledge, allowing them to tailor learning to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
In the early years, children receive an excellent start, benefiting from an ambitious curriculum that focuses on vocabulary development. Learning opportunities are designed to challenge and support all children, and partnerships with parents are actively promoted to enhance children's learning experiences at home.
The personal development of pupils is exceptional, with a strong emphasis on keeping safe and promoting mental health. The school integrates spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development into the curriculum, helping pupils understand and appreciate different perspectives and cultures. The promotion of British values and equality of opportunity is evident throughout the school.
Support from the Delta Academies Trust has significantly impacted the school's development, providing effective professional development opportunities that have strengthened leadership and teaching. Trustees closely monitor the school's progress and hold leaders accountable for continuous improvement. Senior leaders prioritize staff well-being, ensuring a supportive work environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at England Lane Academy are effective, ensuring that pupils' safety and welfare are prioritized. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to excellence in education, fostering a positive and enriching environment for all pupils.
