The Oaks Academy, located in Crewe, has recently undergone an inspection that rated its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on April 16 and 17, 2024, and evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which were also rated as good. This school is part of The Learning Partnership Academies Trust, with Peter Kingdom serving as the headteacher and Dan Thomas as the chief executive officer. The board of trustees is chaired by David Wootton.
The school has established a welcoming and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Students enjoy attending school and are encouraged to strive for high aspirations, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has made significant improvements in its curriculum, which is now broad and ambitious, enabling pupils to learn and retain knowledge effectively. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they adhere to the school's three golden rules: listening, politeness, and following instructions. Strong relationships among pupils and a robust pastoral system contribute to their well-being.
Pupils have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs that promote leadership and community involvement. The school has taken decisive steps to enhance the educational experience, with staff effectively teaching behavioral expectations and maintaining respectful relationships. The curriculum is designed to inspire pupils and includes essential knowledge and vocabulary that they should learn at each stage. Most teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and implement the curriculum effectively, although there are instances where the presentation of new information could be clearer, impacting some pupils' learning.
While the school has made strides in improving attainment and progress, particularly for current pupils in key stage four, there were challenges for those who sat their GCSEs in 2023 due to a weaker curriculum in the past. However, pupils in key stage three, including disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs, are achieving well. The school promptly identifies the additional needs of pupils with SEND and provides appropriate support to ensure they can work alongside their peers successfully.
Reading is prioritized, with staff identifying gaps in pupils' reading knowledge and providing targeted assistance to help them catch up. The school promotes reading across the curriculum and teaches important vocabulary, which boosts pupils' confidence in their reading abilities. Personal development is also a focus, with staff guiding pupils to become the best versions of themselves and teaching them about healthy relationships and safety. The careers program aids pupils in making informed decisions about their future.
Attendance is monitored effectively, and the school works to support families in ensuring regular attendance. Most pupils attend well. Leadership at the school is strong, with a clear vision that is well understood by staff. Training and development opportunities are provided, contributing to staff well-being and pride in their work at the school.
The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of how teachers present new information and the effectiveness of assessment strategies in some subjects. The school is encouraged to refine these approaches to ensure all pupils reach their full potential. Overall, The Oaks Academy has made significant progress and continues to strive for excellence in education.
