Ormiston Denes Academy is celebrating a remarkable transformation after Ofsted confirmed it is now good in all four areas of inspection.
Under the leadership of Principal Kate Williams, Ormiston Denes Academy has undergone a significant turnaround, with Ofsted now congratulating its progress and awarding a good in every category for the first time in four inspections. Inspectors also noted that “students have recognised the substantial improvements that have taken place”.
Following their visit, inspectors published a glowing report, highlighting how “the academy is highly ambitious for every student to succeed academically and develop personally”. The report praised the academy’s “revised curriculum and training for staff,” which ensures that “students reach their full potential.”
Ofsted also commended the academy’s commitment to student personal development and wellbeing, stating that staff “leave no stone unturned in its work to build students’ self-esteem.”
Other strengths noted in the report include:
- “The school has made great strides in developing its broad curriculum so that it clearly identifies what students need to learn and the order in which they should learn important knowledge.”
- “Pupils enjoy attending Ormiston Denes Academy – staff motivate and help them to reach their potential.”
- “Lessons are calm so that pupils can focus on their work. The school is a safe and friendly place, where students are kind to each other.”
- “Pupils have many opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Clubs, events such as musical productions and ‘enrichment days’ broaden students’ interests.”
- “The comprehensive careers and guidance programme, including work experience placements, helps pupils to make informed choices about their next steps.”
- “Staff identify the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), very well. They adapt tasks, without over-simplifying them, so that all pupils can access the curriculum successfully.”
- “The school understands the importance of reading for pupils’ achievement and interests. There are regular opportunities built into the academy day for students to read.”
- “Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain. They say, without hesitation, that this is a school where people welcome each other as equals.
- “The school fully supports staff to develop the quality of their work. Staff have a myriad of opportunities to develop their teaching expertise and to become leaders. Staff are highly positive about working here.”
- “The school has engaged successfully with parents. They trust the school to do the best for their children.”
Kate Williams, Principal said: “We are immensely proud that Ofsted has recognised the transformation that has taken place at Ormiston Denes Academy and the tireless commitment of our staff to ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students. We are particularly pleased to see the report highlight the ambition, high-quality teaching, and strong support that define our academy, as well as the wealth of opportunities that enable our young people to thrive.
“This achievement is only possible because of the dedication of our entire academy community, our hardworking colleagues at Denes and Ormiston, the support of our governors, parents and carers and the efforts of our incredible students. We are all very much looking forward to an exciting future for our academy.”
Richard Dolding, Education Director for the East at Ormiston Academies Trust, said: “Huge congratulations to Kate and her fantastic team at Ormiston Denes Academy on this well-earned success. Ofsted’s recognition is a testament to the academy’s dedication to delivering exceptional education and the hard work of both staff and students.
“I look forward to seeing the academy continue to build on the strong foundations highlighted in the report and reach even greater heights in the future.”
The full report can be viewed online here.