Ofsted
"Pupils receive high-quality careers education and experience the world of work. They also take part in a wide range of trips and visits, participate in community events and take on responsibilities in school. These activities all help to broaden their horizons"
"Leaders and staff have high expectations of every pupil. The curriculum is designed to help pupils develop their independence, contribute positively to society, nurture their employability skills and stay healthy. Staff help pupils to become confident learners."
Ofsted, 2023
Foxwood Academy was last inspected by Ofsted in 2023, and was judged to be 'Good', meaning we have now been established as a good school for over twenty years under the name Foxwood Academy and under our previous name, Foxwood Foundation School and Technology College.
See our latest report below, or click here to see the Ofsted website where you can find this and previous reports.
Context:
Foxwood Academy is a specialist school for pupils aged 5–18, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan. We support children and young people with a wide range of complex needs, including autism and learning difficulties, many of whom have experienced disruption or challenge in previous settings.
Our curriculum is built around a laser-focused intent: to equip every pupil with the knowledge, skills and personal development they need to move successfully into adulthood. This is underpinned by robust assessment systems that allow staff to understand each pupil’s starting point, track progress over time and adapt teaching to meet individual needs.
This is delivered through a carefully structured model that combines age-appropriate phases with personalised learning pathways, ensuring the right balance of support, challenge and independence for each individual.
What are we really proud of?
We know our children and young people exceptionally well. We understand their needs, their families and the barriers they face. Our systems track progress across subjects, pathways and phases, alongside attendance, behaviour and safeguarding. This allows us to spot patterns early and act quickly. We deploy staff and specialist support where it will have the greatest impact. Because of this, we are confident in the decisions we make and the support we provide.
Our curriculum is distinctive and effective. It is built around a clear purpose: preparing pupils for adulthood. Qualified teachers deliver a broad, subject-led curriculum alongside Preparation for Adulthood. Clear end points enable us to measure progress over time. A strong therapeutic offer sits alongside this, ensuring pupils are supported to access learning. We work closely with families to set and deliver meaningful targets. Schools regularly seek our support when developing provision for similar pupils.
Leadership is strong at all levels. Staff are skilled, reflective and committed to improving their practice. Professional development is focused and purposeful. Leaders use information well, act quickly and deploy expertise where it is needed most. Staff are supported and challenged in equal measure. The leadership team brings significant experience, which strengthens decision-making and keeps the focus on improving outcomes.
Our values are clear and consistent. They drive what happens day to day. We focus on preparing pupils for life and independence, recognising and celebrating success and ensuring every child receives a high-quality education. This is reflected in how pupils re-engage with learning, build confidence and move on successfully. It is also reflected in the strength of our relationships with families and the trust placed in the school.
How well do we think we are doing?
Our curriculum and teaching are strong. The curriculum is ambitious, carefully designed and tailored to meet the needs of our pupils. It is overseen by experienced leaders and is distinctive within the region. Teaching is consistently strong, with clear expectations and a shared understanding of what effective practice looks like. Staff are well supported and teaching continues to improve over time.
Pupils achieve well at Foxwood. They leave with a wide range of accreditation, including a broader GCSE offer than is typical in similar settings. Progress is tracked carefully across all subjects, and support is put in place quickly where it is needed. In our 14–19 provision, most pupils are on track to meet their outcomes, and increasing numbers move on to employment, education or training.
Attendance and behaviour are strengths of the school. Attendance has been consistently above that seen in similar schools over time. Staff understand behaviour well and respond consistently, creating a calm and purposeful environment. Pupils are supported to regulate, engage and develop positive attitudes to learning.
Leadership and governance are strong. Leaders at all levels are experienced, well trained and committed to improving outcomes. They understand the school well, use information effectively and act quickly when changes are needed. Governors provide appropriate support and challenge. The school also contributes to wider work across the Trust and the local area, supporting other schools and services.
Personal development and wellbeing are strong. Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities, including careers education, work experience, trips, residentials and enrichment activities. A strong therapeutic offer supports pupils’ communication, emotional wellbeing and independence. The curriculum places a clear emphasis on preparing pupils for adult life, including relationships, health and resilience.
Safeguarding is effective. There is a strong safeguarding culture across the school. Staff are well trained, systems are clear and concerns are identified and acted on promptly. Leaders maintain detailed oversight and ensure pupils are safe and well supported.
Inclusion is a strength. The school works closely with others across the Trust and the wider system to improve provision for children and young people with SEND. There is a clear focus on supporting vulnerable pupils and ensuring all pupils can access the full life of the school. Foxwood also contributes to wider work across the county, sharing expertise and supporting inclusive practice in other settings.
Next steps – where we are going
- Broader opportunities: We are working with local mainstream schools to widen the GCSE subjects and improve inclusion in primary
- Stronger consistency: Completing our learning guides so teaching is consistently high across all classes.
- Clearer outcomes: Embedding our Preparing for Adulthood work so progress in independence, communication and employment is even more measurable.
- Better support for regulation: Developing new “refocus” spaces to help pupils regulate, stay calm and be ready to learn.
- Even stronger attendance: Improving transition into school so children settle quickly and attend regularly.
- Support for families: Exploring extended day and respite provision to better support families.
- Growing future leaders: Developing staff so they can take on leadership roles as the school continues to grow.
Overall: We are building on a strong foundation to give every pupil even greater opportunity, independence and preparation for adult life.