Ofsted Inspection Outcome – January 2025
Dear Parents/Carers
I am writing to update you on our recent Ofsted inspection, during which a team of inspectors visited the academy for a routine, ungraded inspection.
I am pleased to inform you that the academy remains Good, and the inspection team recognised the effective action we have taken to maintain standards since the last inspection. This outcome is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and wider school community. It reinforces our commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for every child at Hanham Woods Academy.
The inspectors highlighted several strengths within our academy, and I am keen to share some of their positive feedback with you.
On teaching… “Staff use their strong subject knowledge to explain new content clearly. The work they give to pupils is well matched to the ambitious curriculum that the school has designed.”
On behaviour… “Pupils understand how the school expects them to behave. If pupils do not meet the school’s expectations, staff take prompt action. As a result, the school is calm and orderly.”
On attendance… “Attendance is a high priority for the school…Key staff have built positive relationships with families to support pupils to attend more often. Pupils’ attendance has improved.”
On SEND support… “High quality advice and training enables staff to identify and provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Consequently, most pupils with SEND learn the same curriculum as their peers effectively.”
On careers education… “The school has high aspirations of what all pupils can achieve. Pupils are encouraged to ‘Dream Big’ about their futures…Pupils move on to further education or employment that matches their ambitions.”
On PSHE and safeguarding… “The school has a comprehensive approach to preparing pupils for life beyond school. There is a suitable curriculum for teaching pupils about all aspects personal, social and health education. The school uses what it knows about emerging local and national potential risks to adapt the curriculum. This helps pupils to understand how to stay safe, including when online.”
“Pupils know that they can talk to an adult if they have any worries. Pupils are confident that staff will provide high-quality support if they need help. This helps pupils to feel safe and cared for at school.”
On Leadership and management… “Leaders have an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities for development. For instance, they have made sure they have the right staff in place to improve pupils’ attendance.”
As with any evaluation process, to help us continue to improve our school, the inspectors also identified areas for improvement. One focus area is on further enhancing teaching and learning in the classroom to ensure that all children continue to secure strong outcomes. Additionally, the inspection highlighted that some of our families feel that our communication systems could be improved further. Thank you to the families who shared their views during the inspection process. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to build on this feedback, strengthening Hanham Woods Academy’s relationships and partnerships with parents and the wider local community.
If you would like to read the report in full, a copy is available on the academy website or click the following link: HWA Ofsted outcome letter March 2025
Kind regards
Mr O’Callaghan | Principal
