Castle Hall Academy, located in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, has undergone significant transformation since its previous inspection. The recent inspection, conducted on February 7 and 8, 2023, rated the school as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This marks a notable improvement from the predecessor school, which was previously judged inadequate.
The school is characterized by its ambitious, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Pupils are supported by dedicated staff who encourage them to reach their full potential. The leadership team has effectively addressed past weaknesses, resulting in a high-quality curriculum that prepares students for their future endeavors. The school has become a source of pride for the local community, with leaders continually striving for excellence in the educational experience provided to pupils.
Pupils report feeling happy and safe at Castle Hall Academy. They express confidence in the staff's ability to address any concerns, particularly regarding bullying. The majority of students exhibit good behavior, and there is a strong sense of community among parents, staff, and students, who appreciate the positive changes implemented by the leadership team. Pupils also value opportunities to contribute to the school community, such as serving as anti-bullying ambassadors or prefects, and they take pride in the improvements made to the school's catering services.
The school has made significant strides in its curriculum, offering a broad range of academic subjects. Staff members share the leadership's vision for excellence and appreciate the support and training they receive. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils revisit important learning, with initiatives like morning mastery sessions helping to reinforce knowledge retention. However, there is recognition that further refinement is needed to ensure that all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, fully benefit from the curriculum.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively present new information. They utilize assessment data to identify gaps in pupils' understanding and provide targeted support to help them catch up. The school is committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs have access to the same curriculum as their peers, although there is a need for improved collaboration between leaders responsible for behavior, attendance, and special educational needs to better address the needs of all students.
The school promotes a culture of reading, providing numerous opportunities for pupils to engage with a variety of texts. Additional support is available for those who struggle with reading fluency, enabling them to develop confidence in their reading abilities. Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and attendance, with most students demonstrating good conduct in class and actively engaging in their learning.
While the school has made significant progress, some pupils do not attend regularly, which hinders their ability to benefit from the curriculum. Leaders are encouraged to monitor attendance strategies closely and take appropriate action to ensure all pupils attend school consistently. Additionally, there is a need for better sharing of expertise among leaders to address the needs of pupils with special educational needs more effectively.
Overall, Castle Hall Academy has made commendable improvements since its last inspection, creating a positive and supportive learning environment for its pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for their future.
