New Horizon Academy

New Horizon Academy is a small independent school for pupils with education, health and care plans, most with moderate learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs. It currently has nine pupils on roll and no alternative provision. The school meets the expected standard across all evaluated areas, safeguarding standards are met, and all independent school standards are met. A new headteacher, appointed in April 2025, has driven positive change in a short period, and staff, parents and governance are positive about the school's direction. The school's main strengths lie in its nurturing, highly personalised approach. Pupils often arrive after disjointed or negative education, but they settle quickly, attend regularly and make pleasing progress from very different starting points. Staff identify gaps well, use bespoke resources, and combine effective pastoral care with a curriculum that links subjects to careers, British values and life skills. Behaviour is typically positive, relationships are warm, and pupils are proud of their learning. There are still clear areas to develop. Teaching is not yet consistent across all classes and subjects, and professional learning does not always address teachers' gaps in knowledge or skills. Some pupils miss significant learning time, so leaders need to build resilience for learning and maximise curriculum time. Handwriting remains a barrier for some pupils, and suspension decisions need clearer recording to ensure they are always used appropriately.

Strengths

• Provides a nurturing, personalised fresh start for pupils who have had disrupted or negative mainstream education.
• Pupils make pleasing progress from very different starting points, including in reading, writing, mathematics and other subjects.
• Staff identify gaps in learning promptly and use bespoke resources to address them.
• The school builds pupils' confidence so they see themselves as successful learners and are proud of their work.
• Attendance is strong because the school adapts provision and works with a range of professionals to reduce barriers.
• Pupils typically behave positively, and leaders analyse behaviour incidents forensically to adjust support.
• Playtimes are enjoyable and relationships between pupils and staff are respectful and warm.
• Bullying is rare and, when it occurs, is handled calmly, promptly and sensitively.
• The curriculum has clear plans and makes learning relevant through careers, British values and personal development.
• Staff know pupils well and use their interests to engage them in learning.
• Inclusion is well supported through prompt identification of needs, bespoke reading materials and therapeutic provision.
• Pastoral support is a real strength and helps pupils' wellbeing and readiness to learn.
• Personal development is comprehensive, covering relationships, consent, online safety, democracy, careers and community involvement.
• Safeguarding standards are met and all independent school standards are met.

Areas for Improvement

• Teaching is not yet consistent across the school or across all subjects.
• Professional learning opportunities do not always address teachers' gaps in knowledge or skills.
• Some pupils continue to miss significant periods of learning time, and resilience for learning needs further development.
• Handwriting remains a barrier for some pupils and needs continued development.
• Suspension decisions are not always carefully recorded, including why they were made and who was involved.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is New Horizon Academy's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for New Horizon Academy is Expected standard, from an inspection in July 2026.

When was New Horizon Academy last inspected by Ofsted?

New Horizon Academy was last inspected in July 2026.

How many pupils does New Horizon Academy have?

New Horizon Academy has 9 pupils on roll.

What age range does New Horizon Academy cover?

New Horizon Academy for pupils aged 11 to 16.

Where is New Horizon Academy?

New Horizon Academy is at New Horizon Academy, Erdington, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6DY.