Astrea Academy Sheffield, located in Sheffield, has undergone its first inspection since opening in September 2018. The inspection, conducted on November 30 and December 1, 2022, assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The school is committed to providing an ambitious curriculum that supports pupils' learning and development. Leaders are dedicated to ensuring that pupils receive a high-quality education, and this vision is reflected in the positive experiences reported by students.
Pupils at Astrea Academy Sheffield generally exhibit good behavior, with most settling quickly into routines and engaging attentively in lessons. The school environment is calm, allowing students to focus on their learning. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident in reporting any concerns, knowing that staff will address them. However, there are concerns regarding the number of detentions and suspensions issued to secondary-age pupils, which some parents find troubling. The school has a strong culture of respect and tolerance, with initiatives that promote inclusivity and provide pupils with a range of experiences beyond the classroom.
The curriculum is designed to build essential knowledge from the early years through to secondary education. Leaders have carefully planned the subjects and identified key vocabulary for pupils to learn and use. While teachers in the secondary phase demonstrate strong subject knowledge, there are inconsistencies in the primary phase, where some teachers may not fully recognize gaps in pupils' knowledge. This can hinder pupils' preparedness for subsequent tasks and their overall depth of understanding.
Support for early readers is robust, with trained staff providing necessary assistance to those who require it. As the school has expanded, additional staff have been appointed to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. This team effectively identifies pupils who need extra help, ensuring that all students can access the curriculum. The school prioritizes a safe learning environment, free from distractions, which is essential for the ambitious curriculum to be effective.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges regarding its behavior policy, particularly in the secondary phase. The accumulation of negative points for minor infractions has led to an increase in detentions and suspensions, which some parents feel detracts from their children's learning opportunities. Leaders are encouraged to engage more with parents to foster positive relationships and address concerns regarding behavior management.
The school has made strides in enhancing pupils' personal development, with a comprehensive curriculum for personal, social, and health education in place. A careers adviser provides guidance to Year 11 pupils, and efforts are underway to improve pupils' understanding of various career paths from an early age. Governors and trustees actively support the school, ensuring that leaders are held accountable for the quality of education provided.
Overall, Astrea Academy Sheffield demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education, fostering positive behavior, and supporting the personal development of its pupils. However, addressing the concerns related to the behavior policy and ensuring consistent subject knowledge among primary teachers will be crucial for the school's continued success. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and further enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
