Harrow Gate Academy, located in Stockton-on-Tees, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on June 11 and 12, 2024. The school is led by Principal Victoria Galt and is part of The Enquire Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Darren Holmes and a board of trustees chaired by Delyse Turrell. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding.
Pupils at Harrow Gate Academy report feeling happy and safe in a caring and inclusive environment. Strong relationships between pupils and staff are emphasized, fostering a sense of confidence among students who feel supported and heard. The school encourages high expectations for both behaviour and academic achievement, with most pupils demonstrating politeness and respect towards peers and adults. Incidents of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils trust that any issues will be addressed promptly by staff.
The school has implemented a well-planned and ambitious curriculum across all subjects, ensuring that early years education effectively prepares children for Year 1. Staff receive comprehensive training to deliver the curriculum consistently, and teachers are responsive to pupils’ misconceptions, enhancing their understanding and retention of knowledge. However, despite many pupils achieving well, there are concerns regarding inconsistent progress in reading, writing, and mathematics, indicating that some students are not reaching their full potential.
The introduction of a new behaviour policy has been positively received, with the simple rules of being ready, respectful, and safe. While many pupils exhibit good behaviour, the school has noted a high number of suspensions. Support is provided to those suspended to prevent recurrence. The school has strengthened its provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring timely identification and support, often involving external agencies.
In the early years, children develop strong relationships with adults and feel secure, which is reflected in their confidence. They engage in activities that promote phonemic awareness and prepare them for formal phonics instruction. The school fosters a positive reading culture, with all staff trained in phonics instruction. High-quality literature is used to inspire pupils and address important social issues.
Harrow Gate Academy excels in providing opportunities for personal development through its global curriculum, which covers themes such as social justice and equality. Pupils demonstrate an understanding of discrimination and the importance of different faiths and British values. The school effectively uses funding to support vulnerable pupils in accessing extracurricular opportunities.
Governance at the school is characterized by a passionate commitment to the community it serves. The trust has established robust oversight systems, ensuring staff feel supported and can request necessary training. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment.
To improve, the school must focus on ensuring that all pupils make consistently strong progress in core subjects. Continued efforts to embed curriculum changes will be essential in helping pupils achieve their full potential. Overall, Harrow Gate Academy is a supportive and well-managed institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while striving for academic excellence.
