Sponne School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Achievement is outstanding.

Students consistently make better than expected progress and the attainment of all students is rising. The quality of teaching is outstanding and has shown rapid improvement. Lessons are engaging, varied and fun.

Students make good progress in lessons because they are fully involved in their own learning through group work, with ample opportunities to discuss issues with each other. While teaching and achievement are outstanding, there are occasions when the presentation of students' work lacks care and this is not always corrected by teachers. Students' behaviour is good.

They are courteous t...o each other and to adults. However, behaviour is not yet outstanding because students still need occasional reminders from adults on how to behave. The sixth form is outstanding.

Students are true role models for the younger ones in the academy. They make outstanding progress from their starting points on entry to the sixth form and attain highly. Led by its inspirational headteacher, leadership and management at all levels, including governance are outstanding.

Throughout the academy there is a sense of shared responsibility and commitment. Leaders have successfully improved teaching rapidly and have ensured that students receive first-rate experiences to prepare them for life beyond the academy.

Information about this school

This is a larger-than-average secondary academy.

The proportion of students supported through school action is below average, as is the proportion of students supported at school action plus or through a statement of special educational needs. A smaller proportion of students than average speaks English as an additional language or is from minority ethnic groups. Fewer students than average are known to be eligible for the pupil premium.

The predecessor school converted to academy status in March 2011. It was judged to be a satisfactory school in its last inspection in January 2010. The academy meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' progress and attainment.