Redcar secondary school told progress is still too slow

The education watchdog’s latest report on Outwood Academy in Redcar, published this week (July 21), highlights weak attendance, below‑average exam results and inconsistent teaching and behaviour management.

The secondary school on Kirkleatham Lane has been judged as 'needs attention' in four areas, with inspectors warning that standards remain below where they should be, despite signs of progress under current leaders.

Inspectors said pupils have historically “not achieved as well as they could” in national examinations, while leaders continue to battle persistent attendance problems and variability in teaching quality across the school.

“Over time, improvements in the quality of provision have been too slow,” Ofsted said.

Current leaders were praised for having a “palpable impact” on the school, but inspectors made clear there is still significant work to do.

According to the report, academic performance remains below national averages. In 2024/25, 33.3 per cent of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE, compared with 45.4 per cent nationally.

Attendance emerged as one of the academy’s biggest challenges, as inspectors said pupils have “not attended school regularly and often enough” over time.

Overall absence stood at 10.8 per cent in 2024/25, above the national figure of 8.4 per cent, while persistent absence reached 30.2 per cent, compared with 23.4 per cent nationally.

Although attendance is improving for some pupils, Ofsted said leaders must tackle the significant number of pupils missing out on vital education.

The report also raises concerns about behaviour management and classroom teaching.

While students said they feel safe and behaviour is improving overall, inspectors found that school behaviour systems are not applied consistently by all staff, and suspension rates – though falling – remain above national averages.

Teaching was described as “too variable” across the school, with some teachers not consistently identifying gaps in pupils’ understanding or addressing misconceptions quickly enough - slowing progress for some children.

Inspectors linked some of the school’s ongoing challenges to previous instability at the top, saying the academy had experienced “turbulence in leadership.”

Gemma Trattles, Community Executive Principal at Outwood Academy Redcar, said: We are fully committed to continuous improvement, taking on board every recommendation to ensure we refine our curriculum delivery, build on our high expectations, and ensure every single pupil receives the highest standard of education and support to reach their full potential.”

Although leaders were praised for understanding the school’s weaknesses and prioritising the right areas for improvement, governors have been told to ensure recent leadership stability results in sustained long‑term progress.

Ofsted says Outwood must now focus on improving attendance, ensuring behaviour policies are applied consistently, strengthening assessment in lessons and raising achievement.

Despite the concerns, Ofsted also acknowledged a number of strengths at the school. Inspectors found safeguarding arrangements meet requirements and said pupils feel safe and cared for.

Ms. Trattles said: "We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the warm, inclusive, and supportive environment we work so hard to create here at Outwood Academy Redcar."

"Hearing that our pupils feel cared for, safe, and empowered to flourish is a true testament to the dedication of our fantastic staff, our wonderful students, and the strong relationships we have built with parents and our local community."

Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities was also highlighted as a strength, as well as Outwood's focus on careers education.