Denewood Academy was inspected on
13-14 May 2025
We are very proud to share that Denewood Academy has secured a positive inspection outcome:
The school has taken effective action to maintain the standards at the previous inspection, i.e. it remains a “good” school.
What is it like to attend this school?
Pupils feel happy and safe. They enjoy positive relationships with staff and their peers and benefit from a respectful and inclusive culture. Staff have high expectations. They help pupils to re-engage with education and support them to move on to appropriate and sustained destinations. Staff help pupils to behave very well. Pupils learn how to self-regulate and understand that some pupils may need additional support to conduct themselves appropriately. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe in school, at home and in the wider community. They talk to staff if they are concerned about something. Pupils are confident that staff will help them to resolve any issues that may arise. Most pupils attend regularly as they do not want to miss their learning and the other activities that the school provides. They experience a range of purposeful enrichment opportunities that broaden and deepen their knowledge and skills. They talk fondly about residential visits and trips to places such as a local castle, an ice rink and the countryside. Pupils value their learning and enjoy a range of subjects. They understand how what they are studying now will help them in adulthood. For example, they know that reading, mathematics and cooking are important life skills.
What does the school do well?
The school identifies quickly and meets the needs of all pupils effectively. Pupils develop their reading, writing, communication and mathematical knowledge, along with other life skills, through an ambitious, well sequenced and appropriately adapted curriculum. Reading is a priority. Staff encourage pupils to read regularly. Pupils’ extremely positive behaviour reflects the school’s high expectations of their conduct. They value the ‘golden rules’ which support them to follow appropriate routines. This helps pupils develop a positive and committed attitude to learning. The school and the trust work well to reduce absence, and actively address any barriers to regular attendance. Staff work with pupils, families, other schools and a range of external agencies to reduce absence. Most pupils’ attendance is stronger than their previous record.
Personal development is exceptional. Pupils access a wide set of opportunities that enhance their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. They benefit from a range of trips and visits which most would not have experienced in their previous settings. The school also gives pupils the opportunity to develop and extend their talents and interests. For example, one pupil recently won a regional cooking competition. Pupils develop positive characteristics, such as confidence, respect and resilience. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is deeply embedded throughout the school’s provision.
The setting prepares pupils for future success in their education, employment and training exceptionally well. They receive appropriate careers education. Pupils access good quality, meaningful opportunities to experience the world of work.