Key Highlights
- Leigh Academy Halley received “exceptional” ratings in five areas from its first inspection under the new Ofsted framework.
- The school has implemented clear accountability and high expectations to improve behavior and academic outcomes.
- A focus on attendance, a small-school model, and a broad curriculum offer have contributed to success.
- Leadership and support from the Leigh Academies Trust have been crucial in achieving these results.
The Journey to Exceptional: A School’s Transformation under Ofsted’s New Framework
When Leigh Academy Halley was chosen as one of the first schools to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework, it was met with a mix of excitement and nervousness. As part of Leigh Academies Trust in Kidbrooke, south-east London, the school serves a diverse community but has not always lived up to its potential. However, over seven years, the school has transformed significantly.
Clear Accountability and High Expectations
Since 2018, one key priority for Leigh Academy Halley has been ensuring clear expectations, particularly regarding behavior. This has involved creating a disruption-free learning environment with a respect code that clearly outlines the responsibilities of students. Consistent action is taken when standards fall, and the leadership team reviews all behavior logs every evening to ensure immediate follow-up and strong communication with families.
Another significant change was the ban on mobile phones in school, which has helped maintain a focused learning environment for students. The school’s approach ensures that young people feel safe and supported, fostering success and engagement.
Raise Expectations Without Compromising
Despite serving one of the most deprived wards in the country, with 40% of students eligible for free school meals and above-average numbers of pupils with education, health, and care plans, Leigh Academy Halley has not lowered its expectations. Instead, it raises them, providing comprehensive support to ensure all students can thrive.
A key aspect is a robust transition and induction programme for new students, along with a skilled EAL team that supports English language acquisition. These measures help create an inclusive environment where every student can succeed.
Attendance: A Strength
Leigh Academy Halley’s commitment to attendance has paid off, as inspectors noted the school’s above-national-average attendance rates and low levels of persistent absence. This is achieved through robust systems, relentless communication with families about the importance of daily attendance, and swift intervention when concerns arise.
A Broad Curriculum Offer
The curriculum at Leigh Academy Halley has been equally critical to its success. The school believes in mastery of core subjects within a broad, balanced, and coherent curriculum. It is proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Middle Years Programme in key stage 3, along with a comprehensive GCSE and Btec offer at key stage 4.
This ensures that students have multiple pathways to success, supporting their individual needs and keeping them engaged throughout their time at the school. The addition of the IB Careers Related Programme and T levels in key stage 5 further diversifies these options.
Facilities, Development, and Engagement
The school has also invested significantly in staff development, offering weekly CPD, instructional coaching through Steplab, and remote PPA time for flexible working. This has kept staff turnover low, ensuring deep expertise among both pedagogically and institutionally knowledgeable teachers.
A digital strategy ensures every student has a Chromebook fully integrated into Google Classroom, preparing them for the modern workforce. The school’s personal development entitlement provides over two hours of planned PSHE education each week, alongside access to more than 50 clubs and societies, cultural capital days, work experience, residentials, and international opportunities.
Trust Support
The support from Leigh Academies Trust has been instrumental in the school’s journey. This includes subject specialist curriculum advisers who help refine design, forums for senior leaders to benefit from development sessions, and central services teams providing dependable support at scale.
A Vindication of the Approach
While Ofsted’s “exceptional” ratings in five areas and “strong standard” in two are significant achievements, they do not solely define the school’s success. The true measure lies in the seven years of sustained, deliberate work that has built a school committed to genuinely changing lives.
The principal, Ben Russell, reflects on this journey as a reflection of hard work and dedication. He emphasizes that education changes lives, and every young person who walks through their gates deserves an exceptional education – a standard they strive for daily.
Leigh Academy Halley’s transformation under the new Ofsted framework is not just about accolades but about building a school environment where students can thrive and succeed. This story serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved with clear vision, unwavering commitment, and a focus on every student’s potential.
As Leigh Academy Halley continues its journey, the lessons learned will undoubtedly shape future educational policies and practices, inspiring other schools to pursue similar transformations for their communities.
