Ofsted and Data

ofsted & data

Wood Green Academy’s most recent Ofsted inspection took place on 8th and 9th April 2025.

This was an ungraded inspection carried out under section 8. Inspectors evaluated whether the school has continued to provide the good quality of education identified at the previous graded inspection in February 2020. They concluded that Wood Green Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Inspectors noted the very strong sense of community within the school. They highlighted the positive relationships between pupils and staff, the emphasis on equality, respect and tolerance and the high levels of safety felt by pupils. Pupils told inspectors that although bullying can happen, staff take it seriously when it is reported, which contributes to pupils feeling secure and happy.

Behaviour around the site was praised. Pupils move calmly and punctually between lessons and demonstrate maturity and interest in their learning. Students in the sixth form showed a clear understanding of inclusion and diversity and engaged politely with adults and visitors. Pupils continue to benefit from a broad curriculum. There is a wide range of subject choices at GCSE and in the sixth form, supported by independent advice and guidance. Teachers’ high expectations and targeted support mean that the majority of pupils achieve well. Compulsory weekly enrichment sessions for younger pupils and valuable work experience for older pupils form part of the school’s wider curriculum offer.

We are particularly pleased with the following comments from the report:

Wood Green Academy has a very strong sense of community. Equality, respect and tolerance are central to the school’s values.
Pupils feel safe. They say staff take bullying seriously when it is reported.
Pupils move promptly and calmly around the site. Behaviour in lessons is mature and pupils are interested in their learning.
All pupils follow an ambitious curriculum, including pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.
The well sequenced curriculum helps pupils develop knowledge and skills. Sixth form students engage in mature discussions that deepen their understanding of subject content.
Staff motivate pupils to succeed. In subjects such as art, pupils are inspired by the high standard of work produced by former students and strive to match this.
There are purposeful opportunities for pupils to learn, apply and retain knowledge over longer periods. Pupils are supported to develop extended writing with higher level vocabulary.
The school maintains a strong focus on reading. The learning hub remains central to this, offering a wide range of fiction and non fiction texts.
Pastoral care is a strength. Leaders know pupils and their families well and the PSHE programme addresses a range of topical issues such as knife crime, vaping and e safety.
Attendance is celebrated through the house system and other reward schemes. Repeat suspensions are rare.
The school provides a wide range of enrichment activities, including climbing, table tennis and trampolining.
Engagement with local employers has been strengthened since the last inspection. Former students return to share their experiences of work, which helps pupils prepare for the next stage of education or training.
The school is well led and managed. Leaders have a strong vision for continued improvement and trustees offer effective support and challenge. Staff value the consideration given to their workload and well being.

Inspectors identified one area for improvement. In some subjects, pupils do not always receive clear enough guidance on how to improve their work. The school is asked to ensure greater consistency in the feedback pupils receive by embedding the successful practice that already exists in other subjects.

As always, we remain committed to continuous improvement. We are proud that the inspection recognised the dedication of our staff, the positive attitudes of our pupils and the strong community culture within the school. Our approach, known as ‘The Wood Green Way’, continues to be rooted in high expectations, teamwork and the belief that every pupil can succeed.

DFE School and local Statistics
Wood Green Academy