Academy Self-Evaluation: Ormiston Horizon Academy 23/24.pdf

General Information:

- Name: Ormiston Horizon Academy (OHA)
- Leadership: Principal: Andy Fitzgibbon, Chair of Governors: Mary Moran, Education Director: Rob Pritchard
- Evaluation Period: 2023-24
- National Context: High deprivation area (Stoke-on-Trent), with significant levels of social inclusion needs.

Key Findings:

- Overall Effectiveness: Rated as "Good"
- Student Body: 1064 students on roll, diverse demographic with high percentages of White British and English as an Additional Language (EAL) students.
- Deprivation Index (IDACI IMD Score): 0.29, placing the area in the most deprived 10% nationally.

Strengths:

- Clear Vision and Values: "We provide an inspirational and ambitious learning journey... Resilience, Respect, and Responsibility" are deeply embedded across the academy.
- Strong Governance: The Governing Body is highly effective, holding leaders accountable, challenging robustly where needed, and working closely with the Academy Trust.
- Improved Leadership: Significant changes to the Senior Leadership Team since April 2019 have led to improved standards and quality of education.
- Comprehensive Support for Students: Intensive support for students with SEMH needs, Looked After Children (LAC), and those on Alternative Provisions.
- Effective Staff Development: Strong ECT program in place, with 14 ECTs progressing through various subjects since 2020.

Areas for Improvement:

- Staff Retention: Historical struggles with staff retention, though recent strategies have addressed this to some extent.
- Lack of Director of Faculty (MFL): Position was unfilled for over 12 months but has now been addressed with the appointment of a new director.

Strategic Priorities:

1. Accountability and Consistency of Leadership and Management.
2. Enhance Independent Activities and Formative Assessment in Classrooms.
3. Improve Students' Attitudes to Learning, Reduce Suspensions, and Increase Attendance.

Key Initiatives:

- Horizon Hub: Supports 10-14 students at risk of school refusal due to mental health issues.
- Learning Intervention Centre (LIC): Provides small group teaching and intensive SEMH support for vulnerable students at risk of permanent exclusion.
- Social Action: Encourages student contribution to the wider community, with current year 9 students participating in a food deprivation initiative.