OFSTED
Howard Community Academy was inspected in July 2025, the report identifies that the school is ‘Outstanding’ in Personal Development and ‘Good’ in all other areas.
This marks a significant leap forward from our ‘Requires Improvement’ rating in 2023.
We are absolutely delighted that Ofsted has acknowledged the strides we have made, whilst sharing brilliant feedback on our well-rounded approach to education and the vibrant community we have built together.
Our aim is to support every child in becoming more than they ever thought they could be, and it is incredibly rewarding that this vision has been recognised so wholeheartedly in the report. It reflects the tireless efforts of our dedicated colleagues and inspiring pupils.
We encourage you to read the full report, which is available to download below.
We have also highlighted some of the key findings below.
• “The school’s work to support pupils’ wider development is exemplary. Pupils’ well-being is at the heart of the school’s personal development programme.”
• “Pupils enjoy school. They are happy and safe.”
• “Pupils are eager to win the headteacher’s award for embodying the school’s values of ‘nurture, community, experience and aspiration’.”
• “Pupils are keen to rise to the high expectations set by staff. They behave well and follow the school’s principles of ‘calm, safe, respect’.”
• “Pupils are proud of their work and say that teachers make learning fun. They achieve well, overall.”
• “Classroom learning comes to life with visits to local farms, museums and events such as experiencing life in First World War trenches. Creative experiences make learning memorable.”
• “Pupils enjoy rich experiences to extend their talents and interests.”
• “Pupils adopt meaningful leadership roles […] Pupils relish these roles that prepare them for their responsibilities of the future.”
• “The school has made significant improvements to the curriculum. The development of the whole child is firmly at its heart.”
• “The curriculum is highly ambitious for all pupils. Each curriculum area is coherently planned, with high expectations of content and progression of knowledge and skills.”
• “There is a strong and creative focus on making pupils’ learning exciting.”
• “The school prioritises learning to read and has secured notable improvements in the teaching of early reading.”
• “Staff have strong subject knowledge. They make learning fun for pupils.”
• “Staff are well trained to understand how to meet pupils’ needs. This means that pupils with SEND complete the same learning as their peers. As a result, pupils with SEND thrive.”
• “Pupils are encouraged to be kind, thoughtful and respectful. Pupils’ knowledge about other cultures and religions is strong.”
The report was consistent in its praise for our focus on developing the ‘whole child’. Our teachers and support staff are well-deserving of this, making sure that every pupil gets to enjoy rich experiences, whether it’s collaborations with the arts council or singing in a local care home. We are overjoyed that it was highlighted throughout the report.
We are so proud of what we are accomplishing together, with our community at the heart of everything we do. We look forward to continuing our hard work to build upon this brilliant achievement, ensuring every child receives the very best education and support in an inclusive and safe environment.
Parent Views
Parents Views gives you a chance to tell Ofsted what you think about your child’s school. The survey can be completed at any time; you don’t have to wait until the school is being inspected by Ofsted. If you would like to complete the Parent View survey about Howard Community Academy, please click the link below:
https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/