Outwood Academy Hasland Hall, located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on November 8 and 9, 2023. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good, with consistent ratings of good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The principal, Ian Cooper, leads the school, which is part of the Outwood Grange Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Sir Martyn Oliver and a board of trustees chaired by David Earnshaw.
The inspection highlighted a positive atmosphere within the school, where pupils expressed appreciation for the leadership's efforts to enhance the school environment. The school promotes a calm and orderly learning atmosphere, ensuring that the curriculum is inclusive and ambitious for all students. Pupils feel supported in their educational journeys, with most achieving well by the end of key stage four. Relationships between pupils and staff are generally positive, contributing to a supportive learning environment where pupils display positive attitudes towards their education.
High expectations are set at Hasland Hall, and while most pupils respond well, some struggle with behavior. The school provides support for these pupils through dedicated facilities aimed at improving conduct. However, instances of pupils being removed from lessons or suspended are noted as high, indicating a need for ongoing improvement in behavior management strategies.
The school effectively promotes pupils' moral and cultural development, encouraging exploration of diverse cultures and community involvement. Staff are united in their commitment to the school's vision, and morale is reported to be high. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge over time, with a focus on social, moral, and cultural development alongside academic subjects. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively address misconceptions, although there are occasions when pupils are moved on to new tasks before fully grasping previous content.
Support for early readers and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with staff equipped to provide necessary assistance. Most pupils with SEND achieve well, and the school fosters a sense of safety and well-being among its students. The pastoral support offered is of high quality, ensuring that pupils feel understood while maintaining the school's expectations.
The school embraces diversity and inclusion, with pupils actively engaging in discussions about social responsibility and fairness. Extra-curricular activities are abundant, particularly in sports and the arts, providing enriching experiences that enhance the curriculum and raise aspirations. The leadership team possesses a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development, with strong support from the trust.
While the school has many strengths, areas for improvement were identified. Teachers sometimes introduce new tasks without ensuring that pupils have fully understood prior content, leading to uncertainty in applying knowledge and skills. The school is encouraged to enhance teachers' skills in checking understanding and ensuring completion of work, particularly for disadvantaged pupils. Additionally, strategies to reduce the frequency of lesson removals and suspensions should be prioritized to ensure that all pupils receive the necessary classroom learning.
Overall, Outwood Academy Hasland Hall demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment, with clear pathways for further development to enhance pupil outcomes and experiences.
