Ofsted
Ofsted Inspection 2026
Ofsted regularly inspects schools to ensure high standards of education, care and safeguarding for children and young people across England.
We are proud to share the outcome of our most recent inspection at The Hastings Academy, published in January 2026.
This inspection was carried out under Ofsted’s new report-card style framework, which no longer uses single-word overall grades such as Good or Requires Improvement. Instead, schools are evaluated across a range of key areas using a five-point scale:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| *Exceptional | Practice is among the very best nationally. Other schools can learn from it. |
| *Strong standard | Provision is above national expectations and consistently high quality. |
| Expected standard | The school is meeting national expectations for education, care and safeguarding. This is the benchmark Ofsted expects effective schools to reach and sustain. |
| Needs attention | Standards are not yet fully meeting expectations in this area, but leaders have clear plans and capacity to secure improvement. |
| Urgent improvement | Serious weaknesses are present and immediate action is required to raise standards. |
*Ofsted have been clear that the Strong and Exceptional standards are not expected to be common or routine.
Our Inspection Outcomes
The Hastings Academy was judged to be meeting the Expected Standard across the majority of areas inspected.
Attendance and Behaviour – Expected Standard
Leaders have strong systems in place to improve attendance, with rising attendance and falling persistent absence. Pupils behave well, classrooms are calm and purposeful, and relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful.
Curriculum and Teaching – Expected Standard
The school now delivers an ambitious, broad and well-sequenced curriculum. Teaching is generally strong, staff are well supported through professional development, and pupils — including those who need additional support — are helped to catch up and succeed.
Inclusion – Expected Standard
The Academy promotes a genuinely inclusive culture. Pupils’ needs are identified quickly, support is well matched, and strong pastoral care ensures pupils feel safe, valued and supported — particularly those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged.
Leadership and Governance – Expected Standard
Leaders and governors demonstrate high ambition for every pupil. The school is well led, with clear priorities, strong oversight and a sharp focus on continued improvement.
Personal Development and Wellbeing – Expected Standard
Pupils benefit from strong pastoral care, a well-designed personal development programme, rich extra-curricular opportunities and high-quality careers guidance that prepares them well for their next steps.
Safeguarding – Met
Ofsted confirmed that safeguarding arrangements are effective and that the school has a strong culture of care where pupils feel safe and concerns are acted upon swiftly.
Achievement
Inspectors recognised that pupils currently in the school are building their knowledge and skills more securely than in the past, with more pupils progressing well through the curriculum and being better prepared for their next steps in education, employment and training.
Ofsted noted that improvements are already having a positive impact, with leaders focused on embedding these changes consistently across subjects to secure even stronger outcomes moving forward.
A Strong Improvement Journey
This latest inspection recognises the significant progress made— particularly in school culture, behaviour, inclusion, leadership, curriculum quality and pastoral support.
Inspectors highlighted the improved ethos across the school, stronger relationships, calmer classrooms, rising attendance, reduced suspensions and the positive impact of leaders’ focused improvement work.
The Academy is now securely meeting national standards and continuing to build momentum for further success.