Northampton International Academy, located in Northamptonshire, underwent an inspection on October 8 and 9, 2024. The inspection revealed that the quality of education requires improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were rated as good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as inadequate. The executive headteacher, Martin Serrão, leads the school, which is part of the East Midlands Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Joshua Coleman and a board of trustees chaired by Kevin Crompton.
Pupils at Northampton International Academy demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning and strive to meet the high expectations set by staff. However, there is a gap in achievement, as not all pupils are reaching their full potential. The curriculum is in the process of improvement, but further work is needed to ensure that all students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve their aspirations. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with students from diverse backgrounds coexisting harmoniously. Various leadership committees allow pupils to contribute to a culture of representation and inclusivity.
Behaviour within the school has improved significantly, with pupils adhering to high standards of conduct. Classrooms are calm, and students feel safe and supported by caring staff, particularly when facing challenges related to mental health. The school has established a positive environment where pupils can thrive. The leadership team has effectively raised expectations for behaviour and personal development, which has contributed to a shared sense of pride among staff and students regarding the improvements made.
The curriculum spans from early years to sixth form, with a clear identification of essential knowledge at each stage. Communication skills are prioritized, and the curriculum is designed to enhance vocabulary development. The ambitious curriculum allows pupils to study a wide range of subjects, including those required for the English Baccalaureate. The sixth form has recently been relaunched at a new location, offering personalized pathways for students to pursue their interests.
Despite these advancements, the delivery of the curriculum is inconsistent across the school. Some staff members do not adequately focus on essential knowledge or clearly explain new concepts. Additionally, there are instances where prior knowledge is not effectively assessed, leading to gaps in understanding. The school is working on professional development opportunities to enhance staff expertise, particularly in the sixth form, where teaching is more consistently effective.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is strong, with dedicated staff providing assistance. However, there are challenges in adapting teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, including those who speak English as an additional language. The reading curriculum has seen improvements, with early phonics instruction and regular assessments ensuring that most pupils learn to read quickly.
In the early years, activities are tailored to children's interests, promoting positive attitudes towards learning. Behaviour has improved significantly, with clear expectations set for pupils. The school provides excellent pastoral care for those struggling with behaviour or attendance issues. Personal, social, and health education is integrated throughout the curriculum, preparing pupils for future challenges.
Overall, while Northampton International Academy has made commendable progress, there are areas that require further attention to ensure that all pupils can access and benefit from the curriculum effectively. The school is committed to continuous improvement and fostering an environment where every student can succeed.
