Harris Academy Sutton, located at 2 Chiltern Road, Sutton, SM2 5RD, underwent its first inspection on 8 and 9 February 2023, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which were rated outstanding. The school, which opened in September 2018, has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005.
The curriculum at Harris Academy Sutton is exceptional, designed to meet the needs and aspirations of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have implemented a highly ambitious curriculum that allows pupils to build on their previous learning effectively. This is evident in the secure and detailed knowledge pupils develop across all subjects, reflected in their work and the confidence they exhibit when discussing their learning.
The school offers a wide range of enrichment activities, ensuring that all pupils participate and have opportunities to take on leadership roles. The elected ‘commission’ of pupils meets regularly with senior leaders, providing feedback on school life and holding leaders accountable for their decisions. The behavior of pupils is exemplary, with a strong understanding and respect for school rules, resulting in minimal need for reinforcement. Instances of bullying are rare and addressed promptly when they occur, contributing to a safe environment for all pupils.
Character development is integrated into the school’s ethos, with a focus on core values such as innovation, integrity, and discovery. Leaders have crafted an excellent curriculum for each subject, collaborating closely with teaching staff to ensure consistent delivery. Established routines in lessons help pupils concentrate fully on their learning, and teachers prioritize revisiting key concepts, which aids retention of knowledge.
The school employs effective assessment strategies to monitor pupils’ understanding and address any gaps in knowledge promptly. Teachers are skilled in adapting their approaches to meet the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring that every pupil can access and excel in the curriculum. The reading curriculum is coherently planned, with assessments identifying pupils who may struggle, allowing for targeted support to build phonics knowledge and fluency.
Harris Academy Sutton places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. Leaders have fostered a culture of safeguarding, ensuring that staff are well-trained and responsive to concerns. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, which is reinforced through the personal development curriculum.
The school values its staff, providing excellent professional development opportunities, which contributes to a supportive and valued workforce. The trust is actively involved in the school’s operations, ensuring that leaders and staff remain focused on delivering high-quality education for all pupils. The inspection team conducted deep dives into various subjects, assessing the curriculum and its delivery, and found that the school meets the needs of its pupils effectively.
Overall, Harris Academy Sutton exemplifies excellence in education, demonstrating a commitment to high standards in teaching, learning, and personal development. The school’s strong leadership, outstanding curriculum, and supportive environment contribute to the success and well-being of its pupils, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.
