Royal Docks Academy, located in Custom House, London, was inspected on 28 and 29 September 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, along with the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school converted to an academy in January 2018. The previous school, Royal Docks Community School, had been judged to require improvement.
The inspection revealed that leaders have created a positive and safe environment for all students. Staff are committed to ensuring that every pupil succeeds, and they have implemented an ambitious curriculum designed to help students acquire and retain essential knowledge across all subjects. The school provides strong support for both academic and personal development, with staff being attentive to the individual circumstances of each pupil. This commitment helps eliminate barriers to learning.
Pupils are encouraged to maintain high standards and aspirations, and they have expressed appreciation for the improvements made by school leaders. The school environment is calm and orderly, with minimal disruption to learning. Students demonstrate good conduct and show consideration for their peers, fostering a culture of tolerance and respect. The inclusive atmosphere is a priority for leaders and staff, who work diligently to ensure that all students feel welcomed.
Opportunities for leadership and responsibility are abundant, with some pupils serving as mentors for younger students. The school emphasizes the importance of developing confident and respectful members of society. The curriculum is broad and engaging, particularly for students in Years 7 to 9, effectively preparing them for future studies. Staff are adept at identifying pupils who require additional support, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance to thrive academically.
Reading is a significant focus at Royal Docks Academy, with staff providing extra phonics instruction for those who struggle with reading. This approach addresses gaps in knowledge and enhances pupils' ability to engage with reading materials across subjects. The school promotes a culture of reading outside of lessons, encouraging students to explore various authors and genres.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. In some subjects, assessment practices need to be more consistent to ensure that teachers thoroughly check pupils' understanding and readiness for new content. Additionally, while subject-specific vocabulary is taught, there is a need for more frequent revisiting and application of this vocabulary to enhance students' comprehension and usage.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes toward learning, and lessons are conducted in a manner that allows for concentration and engagement. The school provides a thoughtful program for citizenship and personal, social, health, and economic education, equipping students with essential life skills. The careers program is comprehensive, ensuring that pupils receive adequate information about various educational and training options.
Leaders have high expectations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, quickly identifying their needs and providing targeted support. The school collaborates effectively with external agencies to enhance pastoral care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, both pupils and staff felt well-supported by school leaders, who were mindful of their workload and well-being.
Governors and trustees work closely with school leaders to continuously improve the quality of education. The school has a resourced provision for pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities, which is expanding to accommodate older students. Overall, Royal Docks Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering an environment where all pupils can succeed and thrive.
