Rise Academy is a specialist Pupil Referral Unit
Rise Academy in Fountain Road, Hull
A school in Hull has been praised for helping “vulnerable” and “disadvantaged” children plug the gaps in their education. The latest Ofsted report for Rise Academy in Fountain Road was published on Monday, March 9, following a visit in January.
Run by The Constellation Trust, Rise Academy is a specialist Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) where many children will have gone through personal difficulties and have a history of poor attendance at previous schools.
In response to the report, Sophie Grant, Head of School, said: “We are delighted for the students at Rise Academy, many of whom have faced significant disruption in their education through permanent exclusion or unmet need.
“The Ofsted report is so positive and a very realistic reflection of how committed our staff are to ensuring that our amazing students experience success in their time at Rise.”
Ofsted noted that many pupils join with gaps in learning, including spoken language and reading, but the school is “typically successful in closing these gaps”. It added that teachers deliver the “well sequenced” curriculum “skilfully”.
The report said children who did not previously attend school on a regular basis generally improve when they join Rise Academy. It said staff “work relentlessly and with sensitivity to support pupils to develop positive attendance routines over time and re-engage pupils with education”.
Pupil behaviour was praised by Ofsted, which noted that the school environment is “routinely calm” and “praise and reward are used to motivate pupils with great success”. It added: “Low-level disruption is rare. Staff are swift to intervene and support pupils if it were to occur. As a result, pupils are confident to engage in learning and demonstrate positive attitudes to their education.”
Rise Academy was also applauded for its “highly inclusive culture”. It said pupils “quickly settle into school life” when they join and received personalised support.
The report said: “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and children in care receive targeted support through bespoke learning packages agreed with parents, carers, professionals and the pupil. Pupils value the strong relationships that they develop with staff who support their diverse needs well.
“Leaders understand their role locally to support pupils with SEND. The school works actively with the local authority to improve vulnerable pupils’ engagement with education.”
Rise Academy also performed strongly in pupils’ personal development and wellbeing, with the report commenting: “They learn to become confident, resilient and independent learners who can reflect on their actions and respect the diversity of other pupils’ values.”
It added: “Pupils benefit from a broad range of activities to develop their talents and interests. These include access to sports leadership roles, the arts and dance. Some pupils receive personalised music tuition to learn how to play an instrument.
“Pupils develop their understanding of local governance and democracy well. They have observed debates in Hull Town Hall and visited the Houses of Parliament to learn about developing legislation. This equips pupils well with the knowledge and skills that they need beyond school.”
The Constellation Trust said the Ofsted report reflects the strength of Rise Academy’s inclusive ethos and the commitment of staff to supporting pupils who have experienced significant disruption to their education.
Inspectors recognised the calm environment across the school, the strong relationships between staff and pupils, and the progress many young people make in rebuilding confidence and re-engaging with learning.
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