THE biggest academy in Newquay has been judged as providing a good education following its Ofsted inspection.

Newquay Junior Academy in Edgcumbe Avenue was praised for equipping students “exceptionally well” for their secondary education.

Lead inspector Matthew Barnes stated evidence gathered during the ungraded inspection on April 1 and 2 suggests that the school’s work “may have improved significantly” across all areas since the previous inspection in 2019.

Mr Barnes said: “Extremely high expectations underpin this ambitious and very inclusive school. Staff will only accept the best standard of work. Pupils respond to this challenge brilliantly. They attend regularly and enjoy school.

“Pupils’ attitudes to learning are exemplary. They are immensely proud of their school and achievements. Staff teach the very carefully designed curriculum with skill and precision. This all helps pupils, including those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to excel.

“Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for their secondary education, reflected in their very high attainment in published outcomes. Pupils’ behaviour is impeccable. They conduct themselves beautifully in lessons and around the school. Lessons are consistently calm and purposeful.

“Pupils demonstrate that they understand what it means to be respectful and safe. Staff secure trusted relationships with pupils. They go the extra mile to know pupils’ individual needs, interests and talents. Wide-ranging enhancements to the curriculum, including an array of trips and visits, help pupils develop empathy and a deep understanding of life in modern Britain.

“Newquay Junior Academy strives for excellence in everything it does. Leaders, including from the trust, are highly ambitious for pupils. They work together harmoniously to check with precision what is going well and to act where things could be better. The school has addressed fully what had been identified for improvement at the time of the last inspection.

“High-quality texts are a centrepiece to learning across the broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils talk about books with joy and enthusiasm. They learn to read rapidly, successfully and for pleasure.

“The school has an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum. Staff have expert subject knowledge. They deliver lessons that build on what pupils know and can do skilfully and very successfully.

“Tailored, regular and meaningful professional development feeds into ongoing enhancements to how the curriculum is taught. As a result, pupils learn new knowledge across the breadth of subjects of the national curriculum very securely. Pupils achieve exceptionally well.”

Newquay Junior Academy was particularly praised for its SEND education.

Mr Barnes said: “The school is highly skilled at identifying and meeting the needs of pupils with SEND. Useful, targeted training ensures that staff have a strong understanding of how to adapt their teaching to meet a range of needs.

“Clear, widely understood, processes help staff to alert those responsible for SEND provision in a timely manner, when these approaches do not work in the way intended. “The school works very closely with professionals from across agencies when advice or extra support is needed. When necessary, individualised curriculums are implemented very effectively to ensure that needs are met precisely and well. As a result, pupils with SEND typically thrive. Their needs are met well, while they develop independence and make strong progress through the curriculum.”