St Christopher's Academy, Ipswich

What it's like to be a pupil at St Christopher's Academy

Many pupils arrive here having previously experienced difficulties that affected their confidence, wellbeing or engagement with education. They quickly become part of a community where they feel safe, understood and valued. Pupils build trusting relationships with staff, who know them well. Staff then help them overcome barriers that had previously prevented them from attending, learning or participating successfully in school life. As a result, pupils engage more positively with education, attend more regularly and develop confidence in themselves as learners. Pupils enjoy learning in calm and supportive environments. They develop important knowledge and skills, particularly where they have previous gaps in their learning. They increasingly take part in education successfully. As pupils become more confident learners, teaching does not, at times, adapt with the same precision when they are ready for greater challenge and more-complex learning. Pupils' views are listened to and respected. They learn how to keep themselves safe, including online. Pupils develop positive relationships with other pupils and staff. Bullying is uncommon and pupils are confident that staff will help if problems arise. Pupils understand and respect others and contribute positively to their school and wider communities. Pupils benefit from experiences that broaden their horizons and help them think positively about their futures. Work experience, careers advice and guidance, visits to post-16 providers, and opportunities tailored to their interests help pupils raise their aspirations and prepare for adulthood. Many leave with greater confidence, stronger routines for learning and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them. For many pupils, their time at the school represents an important step towards a more positive and successful future.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders should strengthen how staff use assessment information to ensure that pupils who are ready for greater challenge are identified consistently and supported to develop deeper subject knowledge so they achieve well.

St Christopher's Academy excels at helping vulnerable pupils feel genuinely cared for and understood. Staff build strong relationships and work collaboratively with families to overcome barriers that have prevented learning. The school is particularly skilled at rebuilding confidence and helping pupils successfully move on to mainstream education, college, employment or training.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified and managed, making pupils safer and helping them feel safe.

Work experience, enrichment activities, careers guidance, support with transitions

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