The Morley Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Students achieve exceptionally well given their starting points in English and mathematics and across a wide range of subjects. Teaching is outstanding.

Teachers plan interesting and demanding lessons and they drive learning at a fast pace. Occasionally, the pace of the lesson is too fast and students are not given the time to reflect on the learning, to think deeply about the work and to take more responsibility for their learning. Students are rightly proud of their academy and as a result, behaviour is exemplary.

Students' attitudes to learning are very positive. Students want to learn and willingly engage with their teachers.... Sixth formers do exceptionally well given their starting points.

The great majority stay on into Year 13 and complete their studies successfully. The academy is extremely successful in developing its staff and this contributes to high morale and strong motivation to contribute positively to its success. Leaders and managers have a relentless focus on improving the quality of teaching so that all students achieve well across the academy.

Governors have well-established systems that provide them with a clear picture of the improvements being made in the quality of teaching and the progress of students. They provide the right mixture of support and challenge to ensure the academy continues to build on its outstanding provision.

Information about this school

This academy is much larger than the average sized secondary school.

The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for children in care of the local authority, from forces families and for students known to be eligible for free school meals, is lower than the national average. The percentage of students for whom English is an additional language is lower than the national average, as is the figure for students from minority ethnic families. The proportion of special educational needs students supported through school action is lower than the national average.

The proportion of students supported through school action plus or a statement of special educational needs is lower than the national average. The academy meets the government's current floor targets, which set the minimum expectations for students' progress and attainment. The academy uses alternative provision for a small number of students at Hunslet Boys and Girls Club and Leeds City College.

The Morley Academy converted to become an academy in January 2011. When its predecessor school, Morley High School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be outstanding. The Gorse Academies Trust oversees the Morley Academy and sponsors The Farnley Academy.