Due to highly effective leadership, Rye Hills Academy has transformed in recent years. Leaders have very high expectations for pupils. They want ‘every child to experience excellence every day’. They are determined to realise this vision fully. Pupils receive an education that is stimulating, ambitious and enriched by a wide range of opportunities. For example, pupils can take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and they have recently enjoyed visits to the Houses of Parliament and the Northern School of Art. Pupils are successful. In the GCSE examinations in summer 2023, the proportion of pupils who achieved strong passes in English and mathematics was above local and national averages. Pupils behave very well in school. Lessons are calm and purposeful. There is a strong culture of rewarding pupils and recognising their achievements. Pupils value this. They are motivated by the house system and earning house points. On the rare occasion that bullying happens, the school responds effectively. Pupils understand the behaviour policy in school and think that it is fair. Pupils’ well-being and safety are of the utmost importance to the school. The school offers pupils a range of ways to support their personal development. Pupils take on roles of responsibility such as pupil president, members of the student council and reading ambassadors. Pupils appreciate having a voice in school and feel like they are making a difference. Pupils enjoy taking part in the school’s creative ‘Culture Vulture’ programme. This offers them a range of ways to broaden their cultural understanding.