Dear Parents and Carers

Ofsted Report – A Strong Outcome for Hayle Academy

I am delighted to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection.

Under the new Ofsted inspection framework, schools no longer receive a single overall grade. Instead, the report identifies strengths across different areas. Within this, we are incredibly proud that Hayle Academy has been recognised as strong in both inclusion and personal development and wellbeing.

This is a significant achievement. Based on published inspections so far, this places Hayle Academy among the strongest-performing secondary schools in Cornwall under the new framework.

Across the remaining areas, the school was judged to be meeting the expected standard, with inspectors also recognising a number of strengths within these areas. This reflects a school that is secure, improving and with clear areas of excellence.

I would also like to say how incredibly proud we are of our students. They are at the heart of everything we do, and this outcome reflects their commitment, character and contribution to our school. It is an outcome that our whole community – students, staff and families – so richly deserves.

Inspectors recognised the strong sense of community within the school, noting that “pupils are warmly welcomed… this helps to create a strong sense of belonging” and where “leaders have established a calm and purposeful learning environment”.

They also recognised the commitment of leaders, describing how they are “passionate about supporting pupils… to ‘dream big to achieve more’” and ensure that changes are made in the best interests of pupils.

Inspectors recognised a number of key strengths, including:

· The school’s culture, where “pupils are proud to attend this school” and experience “a kind, respectful community where pupils feel safe.”

· Inclusion as a real strength, noting that support for pupils “impacts positively on their progress and wellbeing” and that pupils “thrive at school and are well prepared for their next steps.”

· Our work with vulnerable groups, where provision “makes a demonstrable difference” and is always in pupils’ best interests

· The strength of our specially resourced provision, which inspectors highlight with pride, where pupils access an ambitious, personalised curriculum and are fully included in the wider life of the school

· Personal development and wellbeing: “The personal development programme is a strength of the school.”

· The breadth of opportunity available, as our pupils “benefit from a range of experiences and opportunities” that broaden their horizons

· Curriculum and learning, where pupils “benefit from learning a well planned, ambitious curriculum that sets them up to be successful in their next steps.”

We are especially proud that inspectors recognised how well we know and support every individual child, enabling them to succeed both academically and personally.

As with all schools, the report also identifies areas for development. These include continuing to ensure teaching consistently addresses gaps in pupils’ knowledge and strengthening the precision of classroom practice. These are already key priorities for us, and work is well underway.

Please find the link to the full OfSTED report here. It will also be available via the Ofsted website (https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/).

This outcome reflects the commitment, care and ambition of our staff and the strength of our partnership with families and the wider community.

I am deeply grateful for the support of our families and the close relationships we share as a community. The trust you place in us every day means a great deal, and it is something we never take for granted.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Melissa Lock

Head of School