Ofsted praises Ormiston Chadwick Academy for high expectations

Ormiston Chadwick Academy been praised by Ofsted for the high expectations it sets for students’ learning, as part of its latest Ofsted report which rated the academy good in all areas.

Inspectors commended the academy for its “broad and ambitious curriculum” which supports to achieve well. The report also highlighted the academy’s “friendly and caring community” stating that it was a place where “students are happy”, and where “strong pastoral support underpins students’ positive attitudes to education.”

The inspection report is full of highlights, including that:

  • The academy supports students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to broaden their interests and experiences. This is achieved through a broad and ambitious curriculum and the high expectations set for students’ learning.
  • Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their needs identified effectively. The curriculum is adapted well to ensure students with SEND succeed in their learning.
  • Inspectors also highlighted the academy’s strong focus on developing students’ vocabulary and their enjoyment of reading.
  • Staff feel well supported by the trust, including accessing opportunities to collaborate with each other.
  • Students also enjoy a wide range of extracurricular opportunities and varied sports clubs.
  • Students enjoy a well-designed programme that promotes personal development. They also value the positions of responsibility they are afforded.
  • Differences are well celebrated at the academy creating a respectful environment.

To support the academy to further improve and enhance the education delivered, it has committed to continuing to work with students and families to increase attendance rates. It will also further develop assessment strategies to address any knowledge gaps and to enable students to build greater depth of learning overtime, supported by the high expectations of the recently revised curriculum.

Jennifer Lowry-Johnson, Principal said: “I am pleased to see Ofsted has highlighted several areas where our academy is working hard to raise the aspirations of our students and equip them with the skills to succeed.

“We are also clear on the areas we need to continue focusing on in order to drive further improvements at the academy, and we are looking forward to working with our whole school community as we deliver on these ambitions.”