Morpeth Road Academy

Strengths

• Pupils' outcomes have rapidly improved over three years, with most leaving ready for secondary school.
• Disadvantaged pupils achieve particularly well compared with national averages.
• Phonics in Year 1 and reading at the end of key stage 2 are now above national averages.
• The curriculum is highly effective and carefully sequenced so knowledge and skills build over time.
• Teaching is strong, with staff checking understanding and addressing misconceptions quickly.
• Staff adapt learning well so pupils with SEND can fully access the curriculum.
• Early years provision is inspiring, with skilled staff developing communication, independence and early reading, writing and number.
• Inclusion is a significant strength, with ambitious support for SEND, disadvantaged pupils and those known to social care.
• Leadership, governance and trust working are constructive, ambitious and focused on continuous improvement.
• Staff are overwhelmingly positive about leaders, and professional development has created consistent teaching approaches.
• Personal development is comprehensive, including safety education, British values, the school's 'Pledge' and a wide range of experiences.
• Pupils feel safe, show tolerance and kindness, and rare bullying is dealt with promptly.
• Safeguarding standards are met, with an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Areas for Improvement

• Behaviour management is not yet fully embedded, so some pupils do not always meet leaders' high expectations, particularly with staff who are less familiar to them.
• Attendance and behaviour are at expected rather than strong standard, and overall absence remains above the national average, although it is improving.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools