Hadley Learning Community - Secondary Phase is recognized as a good school, with evidence suggesting that it could achieve an outstanding rating in future inspections. The school is deeply integrated into the local community, fostering a sense of pride among pupils who wear their uniforms with honor. Strong relationships between staff and students are evident, and the school's core values of belonging, respect, inspiration, success, and enjoyment are actively promoted through various initiatives, including the Hadley Colours rewards system.
Leaders maintain high expectations for student behavior, resulting in attentive and engaged learners during lessons. The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils demonstrating politeness and respect towards staff and visitors. Instances of bullying are rare, and students express confidence in the staff's ability to address any issues that may arise.
The school offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities, allowing pupils to participate in various activities such as engineering, cooking, and coding clubs. Sports clubs, including football, netball, and gymnastics, are well-attended, and pupils enjoy engaging in performing arts, as showcased in their recent production of Back to the 80s. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school's performance, noting the encouragement and praise their children receive from teachers.
Leaders possess a deep understanding of the community they serve and have developed an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that is regularly reviewed and adapted to meet the needs and aspirations of pupils. Many subjects see pupils achieving excellent results, and the curriculum's planning and sequencing are highly effective, supported by credible research and expert input. Middle leaders have carefully structured the order of topics to build on prior knowledge, enabling pupils to articulate their learning progress confidently.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively plan activities that align with the curriculum. Consistent routines for learning are established in lessons, and questioning techniques are employed to reinforce pupils' understanding. This approach fosters a knowledgeable student body capable of making connections within their learning.
In recent years, the school has enhanced its modern foreign languages curriculum, resulting in increased student interest and participation. Leaders are focused on further increasing the number of pupils studying this subject at key stage four. Teachers maintain high expectations for students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that lessons are adapted to meet individual needs, which pupils appreciate.
The school's personal, social, health, and citizenship education curriculum is well-structured, addressing topics such as healthy relationships and consent in an age-appropriate manner. Pupils engage in various school events that contribute to their broader development, including charity challenges and community events with local senior citizens.
The careers program is robust, providing pupils with insights into future educational and employment opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school adapted by hosting a virtual careers fair, allowing pupils to connect with local colleges and employers.
Leaders prioritize staff well-being and workload, resulting in a supportive environment where staff feel valued. The majority of staff report feeling well-supported both personally and professionally, contributing to a positive school culture.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-managed systems and processes in place. Leaders ensure that all staff undergo appropriate checks and receive training on safeguarding protocols. Pupils learn about safety through the curriculum, covering essential topics such as drugs and e-safety.
To improve further, the school aims to increase the number of pupils opting to study modern foreign languages at key stage four, thereby enhancing the proportion of students completing the English Baccalaureate. Overall, Hadley Learning Community - Secondary Phase demonstrates a commitment to excellence in education and the well-being of its pupils and staff.
