City Academy is a vibrant and welcoming school. Pupils thrive in the warm, friendly and respectful culture. They are highly ambitious for themselves and want to learn. They have very positive attitudes and wear their uniform with pride. They are polite to adults and keen to talk about their school. Leaders have the highest expectations for their pupils. The curriculum is planned very well, but not all lessons are yet good enough. Leaders have worked very hard and effectively to improve behaviour and attendance in a very short period of time. As a result, pupils now behave very well in lessons and around the school site. Pupils appreciate the strong focus staff have on ensuring that everyone behaves well. They know that staff will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour. If they are worried or experience any of the rare instances of bullying, they know they can speak to someone. Consequently, pupils say they feel safe in school. Pupils and staff enjoy extremely positive relationships. Pupils say that staff look after them very well, providing lots of support and guidance. The school provides a range of sporting, arts and other cultural opportunities. Pupils say they particularly like going on trips.