Co-op Academy Grange receives Inadequate Ofsted report

Co-op Academy Grange, on Haycliffe Lane in Little Horton, was given an overall rating of Inadequate during a recent Ofsted inspection.

The secondary school, which has 1,533 pupils on its roll, received the worst grade in behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management.

The quality of education and personal development at the school were both rated as 'Requires Improvement'.

The school said it was very disappointed with the findings of the report and hopes to achieve "at least Good" in its next inspection.

Co-op Academy Grange (Image: Newsquest)

Thomas Wraith and his team of inspectors visited the academy on November 22 and 23, 2022.

The report said: "Staff report that instances of violence between pupils are frequent. Bullying does occur in this school.

"Although most pupils are confident that staff would address any reported incidents of bullying, some are less convinced."

Inspectors said the number of pupils who receive suspensions is high and increasing.

They added: "Vulnerable pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are more likely to be suspended than their peers.

"Leaders have not addressed the causes of higher rates of suspension for these pupils."

The behaviour of a "significant number of pupils around the school is poor", the report adds.

Outside of lessons, many pupils feel unsafe due to the behaviour of others. Leaders and trustees have not been quick enough to address this, according to the report.

There are "too many lessons" where pupils are removed from lessons because of poor behaviour. 

The frequency of poor behaviour, and the proportion of pupils misbehaving, is overwhelming for pastoral staff, the report adds.

On behaviour as a whole, the report said: "The number of pupils removed from lessons for poor behaviour is high. This disrupts pupils’ learning and limits their progression through the curriculum.

"Leaders should ensure that a consistent approach to managing behaviour is established so that pupils’ learning and behaviour improve."

The interim headteacher, with recently appointed senior and executive leaders, is said to have plans for how they will improve the school.

However, these plans are new, and inspectors felt it was too soon to see the impact that is needed.

Inspectors spoke with a wide range of pupils and staff, formally and informally, over the course of the inspection about the safeguarding culture in the school.

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Attendance is highlighted as something that needs improving.

Inspectors said: "Pupils miss important learning because of their low attendance or poor behaviour.

"Some pupils choose to truant from their lessons. Pupils are not always punctual to school or to lessons."

The report does say leaders have recently begun work to improve the curriculum.

It also adds: "Leaders and trustees have not done enough over time to address the key weaknesses in behaviour and the curriculum.

"Leaders’ ambitions to make the much-needed improvements are not happening at the pace required."

A spokesperson for the school said: "Before the inspection, we were already in the process of making considerable changes at Co-op Academy Grange, this has now been accelerated.

"A new headteacher, Mr Alex Jeffrey was appointed the week before the inspection and has made fast and impactful improvements since then.

"Mr Brian Kelly an Executive Headteacher for the Trust will be working with and supporting Mr Jeffrey.

"We need to raise the ambition of the community starting with student behaviour being at the top of our agenda.

"We have rolled out a new Behaviour Policy in December 2022 which has already seen very positive results, for example, behaviour incidents are down 40 per cent since November.

"We are looking to expand the pastoral team to give more capacity and ensure the highest standards of expectations in this area.

"As of last month, we have a full leadership team with specialists in attendance, behaviour, and quality of education supported by the Trust. 

"We are very disappointed with the findings of the report, however, we accept and welcome the feedback and are determined to make Co-op Academy Grange a wonderful place to teach and learn.

"We are committed to achieving at least Good in our next Ofsted inspection."