Outwood Academy Freeston underwent its first inspection since joining Outwood Grange Academies Trust in October 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, while the quality of education was deemed good. However, areas such as behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development, were identified as requiring improvement. The leadership and management of the school were rated as good, indicating a stable and effective leadership structure.
The inspection highlighted that the school has developed an ambitious curriculum with high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have worked to strengthen the school's ties with the local community, which is seen as a positive aspect of the school's operation. However, concerns were raised regarding the prevalence of bullying and the use of discriminatory language among pupils. Many students expressed feelings of discomfort regarding the language used by their peers, leading some to refrain from reporting incidents to adults.
The personal development curriculum was noted as not being as well developed as the academic curriculum, which affects the preparation of pupils for life in modern Britain. The report emphasized that the school’s approach to personal development needs to be more proactive and targeted to address the specific challenges faced by pupils. The curriculum does not adequately cover the importance of respect and tolerance, which are essential for fostering a positive school environment.
While the school has made strides in developing a culture of reading, with effective support for pupils who struggle with reading, there are still gaps in assessment practices in certain subjects. Teachers have secure subject knowledge and receive high-quality professional development, which aids in the delivery of the curriculum. However, low-level disruption in classrooms remains an issue, impacting the learning experience of other pupils.
The report also pointed out that while leaders have established a careers information, education, advice, and guidance program, there is a lack of tracking for individual students. Pupils do not receive enough information about career opportunities, particularly those linked to their local area or the subjects they study. This gap in career education needs to be addressed to ensure that pupils are well-informed about their future options.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school were found to be effective, with staff well-trained in safeguarding responsibilities. Leaders maintain strong awareness of local safeguarding issues and work effectively with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils. However, the report indicated that the culture within the school needs to improve, ensuring that all pupils feel confident to report harmful language and behaviors.
In summary, while Outwood Academy Freeston has established a strong academic curriculum and effective leadership, significant improvements are needed in areas related to behavior, personal development, and the overall school culture. Addressing these issues will be crucial for enhancing the educational experience and well-being of all pupils. The school is encouraged to develop a more ambitious personal development curriculum and improve the reporting mechanisms for bullying and discriminatory language to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.
