The Newark Academy, located in Balderton, Newark, Nottinghamshire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following its inspection in July 2019. The leadership and management of the school have been rated as outstanding, reflecting the strong commitment of leaders and governors to high expectations for both staff and pupils. Since its opening in October 2016, the school has made significant improvements in teaching, behavior, and pupil achievement, establishing a culture of ambition and high aspirations.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is good across most subjects, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and effective use of assessments to support pupil learning. While there have been variations in the quality of teaching in history and modern foreign languages, overall, pupils are making strong progress in English and mathematics, with good progress noted in science subjects as well. Disadvantaged pupils and the most able students are also making commendable progress, although there is ongoing work to ensure that low-ability pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to improve their outcomes.
Pupils at Newark Academy exhibit good behavior and a positive attitude towards learning. They enjoy attending school, and their attendance rates are above the national average. The school has implemented effective strategies to promote personal development, welfare, and resilience among pupils, ensuring they feel supported and safe. The school’s curriculum is broad and well-planned, promoting values of tolerance and respect, which prepares pupils to be responsible citizens.
The sixth form at Newark Academy is also rated as good, with a growing number of students choosing to continue their education there. Although the range of subjects offered is currently limited, the school is committed to expanding these options while maintaining high standards of teaching and support. Students in the sixth form are making good progress and are well-prepared for their future educational and career paths.
Despite the overall positive findings, the school has identified areas for further improvement. Leaders are focused on ensuring that teaching remains consistently strong across all subjects, particularly in history and modern foreign languages. There is also a commitment to enhancing the careers education provision to ensure all pupils have access to meaningful work experience opportunities. Additionally, efforts are being made to develop pupils' self-confidence and resilience to encourage full participation in class discussions.
The governance of the school is effective, with local governors actively involved in monitoring the school’s performance and supporting leaders in their efforts to drive improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that pupils' safety and well-being are prioritized.
In summary, Newark Academy has established itself as a good school with outstanding leadership and management. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and the school is well-positioned to build on its successes to further enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
