Outwood Academy Hasland Hall rated ‘Good’ in all areas
Ofsted has praised students and staff at Outwood Academy Hasland Hall following a two-day inspection in November, noting that ‘Expectations at Hasland Hall are high and uncompromising’.
In its previous inspection, what was then Hasland Hall Community School, was graded as ‘Inadequate’ as a result of areas such as safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, leadership and achievement of disadvantaged and special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) students.
The school which joined Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) in February 2021, has been under the consistent leadership of Principal Ian Cooper and is now, less than three years later, rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted.
Ian Cooper commented on the achievement, saying:
“The recent Ofsted judgement epitomises the journey that we have been on here at Outwood Academy Hasland Hall and as Principal, I am extremely proud to have led the academy during this period. To have achieved this outcome within such a short time is a testament to the hard work, commitment and collective efforts of the staff, academy council, parents and most importantly, our wonderful students.
“The report contains many positive comments, recognising the improvements that we have made and we are glad that the report captures the culture of the academy that we have strived for over the past two years.
“I would like to echo the sentiment and gratitude shared by one of our students which is written in the opening sentence of the report. From myself - to the students, staff, parents and carers, ‘Thank you for making the school a better place for everyone’.”
Some highlights of the most recent report include:
Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They use this knowledge to question pupils well, identifying and remedying any misconceptions they spot.
Most pupils display positive attitudes towards their learning. Most pupils are happy. They applaud positive achievement and value the ‘praising stars’ programme.
The school’s curriculum is inclusive and ambitious for all. Pupils know that staff care about them and their futures.
Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Staff receive the right amount of information to provide the extra help that these pupils need. Most pupils with SEND achieve well.
The school’s curriculum, for all subjects, identifies the knowledge and skills pupils need to know and remember. Learning ‘journeys’ enable pupils to build their knowledge over time.
Staff are united by a moral sense of purpose and determination for everyone’s success. This ethos permeates all aspects of the school’s provision.
Morale is high. Many staff say that the changes made in school have revitalised their enthusiasm and pride. They strongly value the school’s investment in their professional learning.
The school offers a broad range of extra-curricular activities, particularly in sport and creative arts. Pupils value opportunities for out-of-school visits that enrich the curriculum and help to raise pupils’ aspirations.
Alongside the academic curriculum, the school promotes pupils’ social, moral and cultural development well.
Lee Wilson, Interim CEO at OGAT, added:
“I am incredibly proud of the transformation which Outwood Academy Hasland Hall has achieved since joining our family of schools in 2021. The report has many highlights and I’m pleased that the inspection team were able to recognise all the hard work which has been put in by the whole school community. I would like to thank all the students, staff, governors, parents and carers for their commitment to raising standards.”
