Northampton Academy
Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
About Northampton Academy
Northampton Academy is a transformational comprehensive and non-selective school, serving a diverse community. We were proud to be judged 'outstanding' by Ofsted in all areas in March 2023. Our values, which underpin every decision we take, are RESPECT, DETERMINATION, AMBITION, TOLERANCE and INTEGRITY. We have a comprehensive student character-building programme, which has been nationally recognised through the Character Quality Mark Plus that was awarded in November 2021.
The leadership of the academy is completely determined to create an environment in which teachers can get on with their core role: delivering excellent lessons. To this end, the student behaviour system is clear and simple and easy to administer in lessons. If action is needed beyond these simple steps, the pastoral and senior teams take all the burden away from the teachers, conducting detentions, following up and dealing with parents on your behalf. Teachers at the academy speak of this as one of the major benefits of working here. In addition to this, teachers are trusted to be professionals through:
- A genuine ‘flexi-working’ approach with at least one opportunity a week to come in late or leave early for every teaching member of staff
- No unannounced observations
- No lesson grading
- 3 extra INSET days per year for joint team planning
- A feedback and recognition policy that lets teachers decide the best feedback mechanism for their own classes, rather than having this prescribed centrally
Location
Wellbeing is at the heart of our school - for staff and students.
- Staff Survey, November 2022My colleagues are supportive, the students are amazing, and this is a great place to work.
- Staff Survey, November 2022All staff within the school genuinely want to give the students the best opportunity to succeed and for the students to be the best version of themselves.
- Staff Survey, November 2022Flexible working has enabled me to take back some of the family time I have lost. Flexitime is helping me stay in teaching rather than leaving the profession. I cannot state how much positivity the wellbeing drive has had on me.
- Staff Survey, November 2022There is little doubt that Northampton Academy can be considered one of the most successful schools in the country in terms of its character development programme and its direct impact on standards.
- The Association of Character EducationOne of the best things about working at Northampton Academy is the collaborative drive to make the students successful in both education and their character development.
- Staff Survey, November 2022My professional development is supported and encouraged. I am trusted to manage my time and resources - micromanagement is non-existent. I can bring my authentic self to work, and diversity of thought is welcome.
- Staff Survey, November 2022Northampton Academy is an amazing place to work. I feel valued in my role, I have complete trust in the leadership of the school. The Principal leads with transparency, respect and absolute care, not just for the students but for all the staff.
- Staff Survey, November 2022Everything I have experienced working at Northampton Academy has been great, from SLT to students to the environment and the atmosphere the school creates.
- Staff Survey, November 2022
