Newhouse Academy, located in Heywood, Lancashire, underwent an inspection on November 15 and 16, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were rated as Good. The headteacher, Alex Burnham, leads the school, which is part of the Hollingworth Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Darren Randle and a board of trustees chaired by Andrew Moon.
The inspection highlighted that staff have raised their ambitions for pupils, leading to more effective learning compared to previous years. However, many pupils do not achieve their full potential due to uneven curriculum delivery. While pupils generally appreciate the improved behaviour management strategies, and most strive to meet the school's high standards, there are still areas for growth. The school has made strides in fostering positive relationships among pupils and staff, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
Pupils are taught the importance of respect and typically treat each other well, with staff effectively addressing incidents of unkind behaviour. The school has implemented a programme called Our People, which aids personal development by introducing well-chosen topics that help pupils understand themselves and the world around them. This initiative promotes important values such as aspiration, integrity, and respect.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in ensuring consistent curriculum implementation across subjects and year groups. Although the curriculum is broad and ambitious, published data indicates that many Year 11 pupils did not achieve well in recent years. The school is in the early stages of ensuring that improvements in curriculum design are effectively applied across all subjects. While teachers possess secure subject knowledge and often deliver content effectively, some pupils do not receive the necessary support to gain the knowledge they need.
Assessment strategies are in place to help teachers identify what pupils know, but in some cases, this information is not utilized effectively to inform future learning. Consequently, some pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, do not receive the support required to address gaps in their knowledge. The school is prioritizing reading, encouraging pupils to engage with a variety of books. However, support for pupils at the earliest stages of learning to read is not always timely or sustained, hindering their progress.
The school effectively manages behaviour and supports pupils in overcoming attendance barriers. Staff work collaboratively to assist those who are frequently absent, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The school provides regular opportunities for personal development, covering topics such as safety, relationships, and cultural diversity, which prepares pupils for future experiences.
Leaders are mindful of staff workload while promoting the development of new practices. Parents and carers are kept informed about the school's aspirations, although some do not fully understand how these expectations contribute to their children's education and personal development. Plans are in place to enhance engagement with parents further.
The safeguarding arrangements at Newhouse Academy are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection concluded that while the school has made significant progress, it must address the inconsistencies in curriculum delivery and assessment practices to improve overall pupil achievement. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally.
