Hermitage Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an inadequate school Over time, by the end of key stage 4, progress for pupils from their starting points has been weak in many subjects. In 2018, pupils' progress was significantly below the provisional national averages in English, mathematics, science and humanities.

The current progress of pupils overall remains poor, particularly that of the most able pupils and disadvantaged pupils. Leaders and governors have been too slow to halt the decline in the quality of education that pupils receive. It is only very recently that leaders have acted decisively to make the improvements which are required.

The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is f...ar too variable. Teachers do not consider pupils' starting points well enough. Pupils find some of the work too easy because : it does not stretch and challenge them.

Until very recently, leaders' checks on the quality of teaching, learning and assessment have not accurately identified where improvements were needed. Over time, leaders have not implemented an effective strategy to improve the academic progress of those pupils who are disadvantaged or pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). There is too much low-level disruption in lessons, both within and across subjects, which remains unchecked and limits the progress of pupils.

The vision leaders have for making the rapid improvements necessary is at an early stage of implementation and is not applied universally across the school. The school has the following strengths Leaders now have an accurate view of the school's weaknesses and are taking the appropriate actions to make the improvements which are urgently required. Teaching has improved in the sixth form and, as a result, students are now making better progress.

Governors have taken appropriate steps to secure additional support from external school improvement professionals. Leaders' plans and actions have led to a high proportion of pupils attending school regularly.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is average. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is average.

The majority of pupils are White British. A small number of pupils attend alternative provision at Beacon of Light School in Sunderland and Delta Independent School in Consett. The school receives external support from the local authority school improvement partner and a national leader of education from a local multi-academy trust.