Ofsted visited La Fontaine Academy on 13th and 14th March 2023 to conduct a section 8 (ungraded) inspection. The overall outcome was that ‘there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if we were to carry out a graded (section 5) inspection now.’

Ofsted also noted that: ‘Leaders promote the school’s motto ‘Always aiming higher, together’ very well. They have high expectations for all pupils in the school. Pupils are extremely proud of their school and happy here. They are enthusiastic, polite and hardworking. Leaders have high aspirations for what pupils can achieve. The curriculum is extremely ambitious and pupils enjoy being challenged.’

The report recognised excellence in the school’s curriculum and teaching: ’Leaders make sure that the curriculum for all subjects builds knowledge over time progressively. They assure that pupils revisit key knowledge and skills regularly. This helps pupils to develop deep subject-specific understanding. Teachers help pupils to access future content with increased complexity.

‘Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and deliver content clearly. They use a variety of strategies to check pupils’ understanding. All teachers have an excellent understanding of what pupils have learned previously. Teachers check pupils’ knowledge systematically before moving on to new content. They identify and address any gaps and misconceptions in pupils’ understanding swiftly.’

The full report can be accessed hereOr via the Ofsted website: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50216817