Sporting Stars Academy

Sporting Stars Academy is an independent school for pupils aged 14 to 19, many of whom have SEN support or an education, health and care plan. This material change inspection found that the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if it is allowed to increase its registered pupil numbers from 62 to 74. Inspectors looked first at leadership and management, then at safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, premises and accessibility. Leaders were found to understand their pupils’ needs and referral routes, work closely with families and local authorities, and have realistic, well-considered growth plans, including additional staffing and leadership capacity. Safeguarding is a clear strength: policies are backed by thorough reporting routines, staff record concerns promptly, and leaders follow up robustly and hold other agencies to account. Health and safety, risk assessment, recruitment checks and the single central record are also well managed, and the premises have suitable facilities and space for the proposed increase. The main issue flagged is that the school currently has one more pupil on roll than its registered capacity. Otherwise, no significant weaknesses were identified in relation to the material change.

Strengths

• Leaders understand pupils’ needs and the implications of the proposed growth.
• Strong working relationships with families, local authorities and wider services help pupils settle quickly.
• Growth plans are realistic and well considered, including staffing ratios and leadership capacity.
• Safeguarding policies are underpinned by thorough and effective reporting systems.
• Staff record safeguarding concerns promptly and leaders act robustly and tenaciously.
• Daily staff briefings share safeguarding information respectfully and confidentially.
• Health and safety systems include regular checks and proactive responses to audits.
• Individual risk assessments and staffing arrangements support a safe start for pupils.
• Behaviour support records show effective management and improvement over time.
• Recruitment procedures are robust, with a comprehensive and accurate single central record.
• Premises, toilets, medical room and learning spaces are suitable for the proposed increase.
• A suitable accessibility plan meets Equality Act requirements.

Areas for Improvement

• The school currently exceeds its registered pupil capacity by one pupil.

In 2025–26, 27.4% of pupils at Sporting Stars Academy were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 72.6% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is Sporting Stars Academy's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Sporting Stars Academy is Outstanding, from an inspection in October 2026.

When was Sporting Stars Academy last inspected by Ofsted?

Sporting Stars Academy was last inspected in October 2026.

How many pupils does Sporting Stars Academy have?

Sporting Stars Academy has 73 pupils on roll.

What age range does Sporting Stars Academy cover?

Sporting Stars Academy for pupils aged 14 to 19.

Where is Sporting Stars Academy?

Sporting Stars Academy is at Field Avenue, Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST2 7AS.