Leigh Academy Halley in Kidbrooke, south-east London, has received an exceptional rating from Ofsted in five areas, highlighting its remarkable transformation over the past seven years. As a mixed comprehensive school serving a diverse community, Halley has made substantial improvements since joining Leigh Academies Trust in 2018.
Exceptional Ofsted Outcomes: A Journey of Improvement
When Leigh Academy Halley was inspected under the new Ofsted framework, anticipation was high. The school, which caters to students aged 11 to 18, was previously struggling with low confidence among families, inconsistent routines, and disruptive behavior. This recent inspection report underscores the significant progress made.
Key Improvements and Achievements
- Outstanding Behavior: Inspectors praised the positive behavior of pupils.
- Attendance Rates: Attendance significantly exceeds national averages, with persistent absence below national levels.
- Strong Sense of Community: Pupils feel a deep sense of belonging, supported by the school’s structure.
- Curriculum Diversity: Halley offers a broad curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate and vocational pathways.
- Organizational Structure: The school operates under a “small-school model,” fostering strong relationships between students and staff.
Strategies for Success
One of the core strategies implemented at Halley is establishing clear behavioral expectations. The administration focuses on creating a disruption-free learning environment. A strict code of conduct ensures that no student undermines the learning experience of others.
Mobile phones have been banned on campus, further enhancing the learning atmosphere. Consistent communication with families about behavior logs and attendance plays a crucial role in maintaining these high standards.
Supporting Vulnerable Students
Considering that 40% of students qualify for free school meals and many speak English as an additional language, Halley has tailored its approach to support all learners. High expectations are maintained while providing care and structure. The school has a comprehensive transition program, ensuring students are well-prepared for their journey through education.
A Focus on Attendance
- Above National Averages: Attendance is consistently above national levels across all year groups.
- Swift Interventions: The school enforces timely support for students struggling with attendance.
Curriculum and Personal Development
As an International Baccalaureate World School, Halley offers a comprehensive curriculum that caters to diverse learning styles. More than 80% of students pursue the English Baccalaureate, allowing for a variety of pathways tailored to each individual.
Continuous investment in teacher development and resources is evident. Weekly CPD and a digital strategy ensure that all students have access to technology and the curriculum is enriched through various clubs and societies.
The Role of Trust Support
Support from Leigh Academies Trust has been instrumental in this journey. The trust provides essential resources and guidance, allowing the school to concentrate on teaching and improving student outcomes effectively.
Looking Ahead
While Leigh Academy Halley celebrates these outstanding achievements, the commitment to improvement continues. Staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional education for every student, ensuring that the school remains a progressive and nurturing environment for learning.
Education is recognized as a transformative force, and Leigh Academy Halley upholds this belief as a standard in their mission to change lives.
