Sporting Stars Academy

Sporting Stars Academy, 17 September 2026 1 Sporting Stars Academy Field Avenue, Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST2 7AS

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision is implemented

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report:

This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. The school has applied to the DfE to make a material change to its registration. The school proposes to change the maximum number of pupils attending.

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report:

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards (ISS) that are relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out material change inspections of independent schools, we report on the school’s likely compliance with part 8 of the ISS first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the ISS consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders understand the needs of the pupils who attend and the implications of the proposed material change. They know the school’s referral routes well and understand their impact on placement and provision. Leaders place importance on meeting the needs of pupils who join, while maintaining the effectiveness of provision for pupils already in the school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders work well with families, local authorities and wider services. This enables them to gather helpful information in a timely manner. Leaders use this Sporting Stars Academy, 17 September 2026 2 information to ensure that the right support is put in place. This ensures that pupils settle quickly into school routines and develop as learners.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders’ plans for growth are realistic and well considered. For example, they have reviewed pupil numbers, the learning environment and staffing ratios. They have also refined leadership capacity through additional staffing in a range of roles, including personal development and deputy designated safeguarding leads. Leaders recognise the increasing demand for places from across the local authorities that they work with.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor and school leaders maintain effective oversight of the school’s work to meet the ISS. They have knowledge and expertise but welcome additional specialist support when needed. For example, in matters to do with fire safety and health and safety.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders have detailed knowledge of the ISS and understand recent changes in DfE guidance, for example, regarding recording the use of force or physical restraint. Currently, the school has exceeded their registration number by one pupil.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve the material change.

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Safeguarding

The school’s safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website. Leaders have developed appropriate safeguarding policies. These are underpinned by embedded routines and reporting systems that are thorough and impactful in keeping pupils safe.

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Safeguarding

Leaders understand the risks that pupils who attend the school face. A trained team of staff supports the designated safeguarding lead. Staff know how to record concerns and ensure this is done promptly. Leaders act upon these concerns in a robust and swift manner. They are tenacious in following up actions and holding other agencies to account.

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Safeguarding

Leaders hold a daily briefing for all staff to ensure information is shared in a respectful and confidential manner. Staff use this information wisely and well. For example, they record concerns relating to the inappropriate use of social media.

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Safeguarding

Leaders work well with wider professionals and services. This ensures the lived experiences of pupils are heard, understood and supported. Staffing levels, Sporting Stars Academy, 17 September 2026 3 systems and structures are sufficient to cope with the proposed increase in numbers.

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Safeguarding

Health and safety, fire , risk assessment, behaviour and supervision of

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pupils

The proprietor is knowledgeable about the ISS. Relevant policies set out how the school will be maintained and meet health and safety requirements. Leaders have structured systems, routines and procedures in place for checking and maintaining the site. These are adhered to within a regular programme of checks and scrutiny.

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pupils

Leaders are proactive in addressing any aspects that are noted or brought to their attention by staff or through audits by external qualified companies. For example, following a fire service visit, leaders have put in a place a ‘grab’ folder of information to use in the case of an emergency.

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pupils

Leaders have ensured there are appropriate risk assessments in place for the site, activities and pupils. They use an extensive range of information to ensure that individual risk assessments are in place for pupils prior to them starting at the school. Leaders use this information to ensure staff ratios as well as staffing expertise is in place. This provides pupils with a safe and secure start to their time at the school.

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pupils

Leaders have considered staffing levels and supervision with regard to the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Staff understand pupils’ individual needs and respond appropriately to meet them. A support network is in place to promote positive behaviour and manage behaviour incidents. Records show that these are effective and help improve pupils’ behaviour over time. Leaders use the school site and the local community well to engage and support pupils. The school timetable has been constructed carefully to manage the numbers of pupils who are on the school site and those who are out and about in the community at any given time.

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pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve the material change.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

Leaders implement robust recruitment procedures to ensure that staff are suitable to work at the school. Leaders involved with recruitment are appropriately trained in safer recruitment practices. Sporting Stars Academy, 17 September 2026 4 Leaders complete the required pre-employment checks before staff begin work. The electronic single central record is comprehensive, accurate and regularly reviewed. It includes the required statutory information for staff and the proprietor. Leaders rarely use supply staff. However, leaders understand what checks are required to be made to obtain appropriate assurances.

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the single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve the material change.

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and showers

Pupils have access to suitable toilets and washing facilities. Leaders have appropriate routines in place to ensure that pupils who have specific safeguarding needs are supported in their toileting requirements. The water temperature is appropriate, tested regularly and does not pose a scalding risk. Staff ensure that there is access to drinking water throughout the day. All taps have the relevant signage to indicate whether the water is suitable for drinking or not. There are sufficient toilets and washing facilities to accommodate the proposed increased number of pupils.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The medical room is appropriately equipped. It includes a medical bed and access to running water and a toilet is nearby. First-aid boxes are in suitable locations around the school site. They are well stocked, checked regularly and restocked as needed.

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needs of pupils, lighting and acoustic conditions and outdoor space

The school site is maintained well. Lighting and acoustic conditions are suitable. Leaders ensure that the school provides sufficient space and resources for pupils’ learning and social interaction. This is appropriate for the proposed addition to numbers.

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needs of pupils, lighting and acoustic conditions and outdoor space

Leaders consider carefully how new pupils will be integrated into the school. For instance, they consider how the learning environment can be adapted to meet pupils’ needs. This includes them deciding upon which classrooms best support pupils’ needs. Sporting Stars Academy, 17 September 2026 5 The proprietor has ensured that the requirements of the relevant standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the DfE decides to approve the material change.

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The school’s accessibility plan

There is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The inspector checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Following our renewed inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

The DfE commissioned this inspection in response to the school’s material change application to increase pupil numbers from 62 to 74.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with members of the proprietor body, including the chair, the headteacher, the designated safeguarding lead and the human resources officer.

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About this school

Proprietor body Sporting Stars Community Interest Company

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About this school

Chair of the proprietor body Shane Anthony Tudor

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About this school

Capacity 62 Sporting Stars Academy, 17 September 2026 6

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an education, health and care plan

Annual fees for day pupils £22,230 to £96,900

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an education, health and care plan

Email address admin@sportingstarsacademy.com

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an education, health and care plan

Website https://sportingstarsacademy.com Sporting Stars Academy, 17 September 2026 7 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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