Ofsted Inspection Report
“Harpenden Academy provides a nurturing environment where pupils develop exceptional foundations for learning. The school fosters academic excellence and personal growth, shaping confident, resilient and thoughtful pupils. The ambitious curriculum ensures pupils acquire the essential building blocks of knowledge to achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics, right from the start.”
“Skilled staff provide tailored support that ensure pupils with additional challenges, including pupils with SEND, have opportunities to learn alongside their classmates and achieve as well as they can.”
“The school adapts the curriculum so that pupils with SEND and those who speak English as an additional language receive the support and opportunities that they need to thrive.”
“Teachers' deep understanding of their pupils, and strong subject expertise, enables them to check pupils' understanding and adapt learning effectively.”
“Pupils are happy, respectful and behave well. Pupils' behaviour is impressive. They are polite and respectful. Positive behaviour is reinforced through routines and initiatives.”
Ofsted Inspection Report June 2019 Ofsted link to report June 2019
Ofsted link to Report June 2019
"The headteacher has high expectations and wants the very best for pupils. Her vision is shared by the school's other leaders. As a result, the school has improved greatly and is now on a clear upward trajectory."
"Relationships between pupils and the adults who work in the school are very strong. Staff know pupils well and this helps to make classrooms positive and welcoming environments, where pupils feel comfortable and ready to learn."
"The school's work to promote pupils' personal development and welfare is outstanding."
"Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning. They show a keen interest in the subjects that they learn about. For example, pupils willingly volunteer to answer teachers' questions, doing so competently and confidently."
"Pupils are confident and self-assured. They listen to each other, showing respect for each other's views, and managing discussions well. Pupils enjoy coming to school and appreciate the support that they receive from teachers."
"Pupils stated emphatically that there is no bullying at all at Harpenden Academy."
"Pupils behave well in lessons. They listen carefully and respond quickly to instructions. The school's rules are simple and easy to remember. They are reinforced frequently and even the very youngest children know the rules."
