Sporting Stars Academy has pupils’ best interests at heart. Many pupils have had negative experiences of education in the past but here they feel safe and cared for. Pupils see the school as giving them ‘another chance’. For example, some retake GCSEs and gain qualifications that they would not otherwise achieve. As one pupil said, ‘They build you up; they motivate you.’ The school encourages pupils to explore their interests and talents. Pupils access a broad range of experiences, although the curriculum focuses mostly on teaching English, mathematics and science. Leaders have begun work to improve the quality of the curriculum in other subjects, but there remains more to do. The curriculum is not yet sufficiently well planned. Pupils do not develop their knowledge logically in all the subjects they study. The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. Pupils live up to these expectations. They are well behaved and respectful towards each other and adults. They have good manners and follow instructions. This makes the school a calm place in which to learn. Staff are committed to helping pupils succeed, providing personalised support. They organise many enrichment activities to help pupils develop their skills and interests.