Proprietors, governors and leaders are united in their aim for pupils ‘to embody an alignment between fundamental British values and Islamic teachings’. They are succeeding. Leaders have achieved a perfect balance. Staff teach pupils about their religious and cultural Islamic heritage. This is celebrated. They also inspire pupils to take great pride in their status as British citizens. The curriculum for pupils’ personal development is outstanding. As a result, pupils have a striking understanding of equality, democracy and citizenship. Teachers expect the very best from pupils both in their work and conduct. Staff and pupils treat each other, and visitors, with complete respect and courtesy. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. There is no bullying. It is such a pleasure to be in this safe, nurturing environment. Pupils are absolutely flourishing. Not surprisingly, parents and carers are utterly delighted that their children are thriving personally and academically. Every single comment that parents made to inspectors was positive. All would recommend the school. The many lengthy, effusive written comments from parents are best summarised by this one parent’s final sentence: ‘Beacon Lights School is indeed a beacon of light to the community of Halifax.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? When Beacon Lights opened in September 2020, proprietors set out an excellent strategic plan to deliver an outstanding quality of education. Unavoidable national disruption in 2021, caused by COVID-19, delayed leaders’ full implementation of the curriculum. However, what this exceptional leadership team has achieved, in the short period since this school has been open, is quite remarkable. Leaders started with the national curriculum when they designed their bespoke, well-sequenced curriculum. They then went beyond this to exceed national curriculum expectations. Most pupils speak English as an additional language. Leaders have made very effective adaptations to the curriculum to ensure that this does not hold pupils back. Even the youngest Year 1 pupils read fluently and with confidence. All pupils read at least as well as they should for their age, and often well above that standard. Staff check that pupils understand the words they read carefully. As a result, pupils’ English vocabulary is increasing rapidly in all subjects. This is helping pupils to achieve well, especially in English, mathematics and science. The standard of work that pupils achieve in these subjects at key stage 3 is exceptional. However, leaders are emphatic that they have no wish to enter pupils early for GCSE examinations. They are determined that all pupils receive a broad and balanced curriculum. Curriculum plans in some subjects, such as religious studies, have been fully implemented. Pupils can remember what they have learned about different faiths. Inspection report: Beacon Lights Schools 15–17 March 2022 2 However, the standards pupils achieve is some subjects, such as history, geography and art, do not match pupils’ achievements in the core subjects. There are two formal assessments each year. This helps to ensure that teachers’ workload is manageable. Teachers assess pupils’ learning during lessons. They use questioning effectively. This helps pupils to improve their work there and then. Leaders enrich the curriculum regularly by inviting external speakers to present to pupils. They check that all visitors provide unbiased opinions and balanced views. The curriculum for pupils’ moral education is outstanding. Pupils have a secure understanding of right and wrong. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) has adapted the curriculum expertly to meet individual pupils’ needs. In addition to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the SENCo makes further adjustments to the curriculum for pupils who are very new to learning English as an additional language. This includes regular meetings with parents. Several members of staff, including the SENCo, are multilingual. Consequently, they are very well equipped to speak to parents in their first languages. Parents really appreciate this. Leaders give pupils lots of opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities. Pupils in key stage 3 are invited to support younger pupils. Many pupils speak French as their first language. These key stage 3 pupils enjoy visiting key stage 1 classes to help pupils in Years 1 and 2 who are very new to learning English as an additional language. This helps to build pupils’ confidence and pride in their cultural heritage. The SENCo also adapts individual career action plans to address the needs of each pupil. Materials are adapted to ensure that they are fully accessible for pupils with SEND or those pupils who are new to speaking English as an additional language. Leaders provide high-quality careers education and guidance from Year 7. Leaders consulted parents when they revised their policy for relationships and sex education. Leaders held separate meetings to discuss this with parents face to face, in their first languages. Teachers say it is a joy to teach pupils who have such outstanding attitudes to learning. All pupils behave well consistently. It is not surprising that staff morale is so high. Staff say they feel very lucky to work at Beacon Lights Schools. The impact of the inspirational headteacher’s leadership in all judgement areas cannot be underestimated.