Garforth Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Academic standards have been well-above average for a number of years. The most-able students in the school achieve well and gain the highest grades in their GCSEs in a range of subjects. Rates of progress in English and mathematics for the large majority of students are at least good and often outstanding.

All groups of students achieve well including disabled students and those who have special educational needs and students in receipt of pupil premium funding. The sixth form is outstanding. Excellent teaching is driving up standards and rapidly accelerating progress.

Achievement is good and improving strongly although... students in Year 13 do not make as much progress as those in Year 12. The quality of teaching is outstanding because teachers have exceptional skills. Teachers have high expectations of their students and only their best work is good enough.

Teachers are expert in their subject areas and inspire their students to be enthusiastic, motivated learners. Lessons are meticulously planned and work matches the needs of individual pupils exactly. Teachers mark books regularly and well but sometimes they do not check whether students have responded to their comments.

Students' behaviour in the classroom is typically impeccable. They are more than pleased to help each other out in lessons and to work hard. The aspirational leadership of teaching has ensured that the proportion of outstanding teaching continues to grow.

Teachers are incredibly well supported and as a result are extremely keen to improve their performance. The crystal clear ambition of the Principal is palpable. His vision for the future of the academy is that it should be the very best.

The governing body plays a key role in driving through improvements in the school. They are very knowledgeable and offer astute challenge and support.

Information about this school

This is a much larger than average-sized secondary school.

A smaller proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs are supported through school action than found nationally. The proportion of students supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average. The proportion of students receiving pupil premium, which is additional funding given for looked after children, pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children with parents in the armed forces, is much lower than the national average.

The vast majority of students are from White British backgrounds. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. Currently, the academy does not offer any alternative off-site provision but works in partnership with local businesses to run the academy hair and beauty salon.

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