Trust News

Harpenden Academy underwent an ungraded inspection on the 4th and 5th February 2025. An ungraded inspection doesn’t result in individual graded judgements. Instead, these reports focus on determining whether the school has taken effective action in maintaining or improving the standards of the previous inspection.

We are thrilled to say the school’s judgement was that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the school has improved significantly in all areas since the last inspection. This means if a graded inspection had taken place, the grading would likely improve. What does this mean for Harpenden Academy? This means that they will now have a full graded inspection usually within the one to two years. This inspection will be under the new Ofsted framework which is not yet finalised and comes into place in September.

"Harpenden Academy provides a nurturing environment where pupils develop exceptional foundations for learning. The school fosters academic excellence and personal growth, shaping confident, resilient and thoughtful pupils. The ambitious curriculum ensures pupils acquire the essential building blocks of knowledge to achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics, right from the start.”

 

“Skilled staff provide tailored support that ensure pupils with additional challenges, including pupils with SEND, have opportunities to learn alongside their classmates and achieve as well as they can.”

 

“The school adapts the curriculum so that pupils with SEND and those who speak English as an additional language receive the support and opportunities that they need to thrive.”

 

“Teachers' deep understanding of their pupils, and strong subject expertise, enables them to check pupils' understanding and adapt learning effectively.”

 

“Pupils are happy, respectful and behave well. Pupils' behaviour is impressive. They are polite and respectful. Positive behaviour is reinforced through routines and initiatives.

Ofsted Inspector, School Report

Congratulations to Lisa Davies, Headteacher Harpenden Academy, and her team, their dedication and hard work have shone through, and their innovative approach to education is making a significant impact. It's inspiring to see such a commitment to ensuring children have the best possible start in their learning journey. Here's to continued success and even greater accomplishments in the future!