Kirk Balk Academy, located in Hoyland, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on January 21-22, 2020, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as good.
Pupils at Kirk Balk Academy demonstrate positive behavior and a strong work ethic. Teachers maintain high expectations for student achievement, and learning is seldom disrupted due to effective implementation of the academy's behavior policy. Senior leaders actively support teachers and monitor pupil behavior in lessons, ensuring a conducive learning environment. Pupils report feeling safe at school, with staff readily available to address any issues that may arise, contributing to a low incidence of bullying.
The school fosters a culture of celebration for pupil achievements, with regular praise in lessons and special recognition events such as Proud Thursdays. A variety of extracurricular activities are offered, encouraging pupils to engage in sports, trips, and drama performances. The school promotes a love for reading through initiatives like drop everything and read sessions and the Reading Routes program, which incentivizes pupils to explore diverse literature.
The curriculum at Kirk Balk Academy has been collaboratively developed with colleagues from the trust, and it is ambitious, challenging pupils to integrate various knowledge areas. While the curriculum is well-structured, some older pupils still exhibit gaps in their knowledge due to the recent implementation of these changes. However, there has been an increase in the number of pupils opting for modern languages, resulting in improved standards in these subjects.
Teachers effectively assess pupil understanding and ensure that any gaps in knowledge are addressed. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, accessing the full curriculum and receiving additional assistance when necessary. Disadvantaged pupils also achieve well, reflecting the high expectations set by teachers and leaders.
Behavior in the school is generally good, with teachers adeptly managing classroom conduct. Leaders have implemented strategies to reduce exclusions, allowing pupils more opportunities to improve their behavior before facing serious consequences. However, a small number of pupils still require sanctions, and some learn outside their regular classrooms under supervision.
The school provides a comprehensive personal development curriculum, including life lessons that cover various themes, helping pupils understand British values and health and safety. Some older pupils have expressed a desire for more information on external risks. Career guidance is also a strong aspect of the school's offerings.
Staff express positive sentiments regarding the support from leaders, particularly in managing behavior and reducing unnecessary tasks, allowing them to focus on lesson planning. The local academy council and trust leaders play a vital role in supporting the school, ensuring accountability and effective training.
The safeguarding arrangements at Kirk Balk Academy are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report potential risks. Collaboration with local agencies ensures that vulnerable pupils receive the necessary support. Pupils are educated about safety, including online risks and the dangers of extremism.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that pupils in key stage four access the new curriculum established for key stage three, addressing existing knowledge gaps. Additionally, leaders should focus on enhancing self-regulation among pupils to reduce the need for sanctions and further refine strategies to minimize exclusions, ensuring that all pupils benefit from valuable learning opportunities.
