The Cedars Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors have managed the amalgamation of two schools effectively, and created a cohesive, unified school community. Leaders, governors, staff and pupils are working together to realise the headteacher's ambitions for pupils' success.

Pupils in all year groups make rapid progress in a range of subjects. The progress of disadvantaged pupils is improving considerably. The sixth form is a strength of the school.

Students make very good progress and are well prepared for the next steps in their education, employment or training. Pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities are supported extremely well in al...l aspects of school life. They make good progress.

Leaders have amended the curriculum to ensure that it meets pupils' differing needs. It is challenging in all key stages. Teachers have strong subject knowledge, which they use well to motivate and interest pupils.

Relationships between teachers and pupils are very positive. Pupils feel encouraged to take risks in their learning, which helps them to make progress. The academy trust provides extremely effective support.

Pupils benefit from a range of enriching activities. Staff appreciate the professional development they receive from other schools in the trust and from trust leaders. Pastoral support is very strong.

Considerable emphasis is placed on pupils' personal development and well-being. The school is caring, welcoming and inclusive. Leaders understand their roles and responsibilities.

New senior leaders, and middle leaders, are being supported to further develop their effectiveness. There are small pockets of weaker teaching where activities are not challenging enough. Some low-level disruption occasionally results when teachers do not apply the behaviour policy.

The most able pupils do not always understand how to improve their work or achieve the highest grades. Not all teachers apply the feedback policy effectively. Attendance is similar to the national average.

However, the attendance of disadvantaged pupils and those who have SEN and/or disabilities is lower.

Information about this school

The Cedars Academy opened in September 2015, following the merger of Stonehill High School and Longslade Community School. It is part of the Lionheart Academies Trust (LAT).

Governance is provided by the trust and a local governing body. LAT provides a range of formal support to all aspects of the school's work. The school is slightly smaller than the average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is average. The majority of pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is above average.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities and who do not have an education, health and care plan is below average. A small number of pupils attend off-site alternative provision at the Melton Learning Hub. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' achievement and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 11.

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