Ormiston Venture Academy has been rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in its latest inspection.
The school was praised by inspectors for delivering an education where pupils “do excellently” and benefit from “the highest expectations of what they can achieve”. Inspectors commended the school’s “meticulously designed” curriculum, “superb” behaviour and “exceptionally well-designed” personal development programme.
This is the first graded inspection that the academy has received since 2013, when it was also judged Outstanding. The visit reaffirmed the academy’s elite status and found that Venture continues to deliver exceptional outcomes, leadership and support for pupils across Great Yarmouth.
Inspectors praised the school’s “aspirational and affirming pastoral ethos,” “established culture of very positive behaviour”, and “highly effective steps to ensure that all pupils, including those who need extra support, can succeed.”
Other highlights from the report include:
- Pupils “rapidly develop academically and personally”.
- “Pupils take considerable pride in their learning. They treat peers and adults with respect.”
- “Pupils enjoy very supportive relationships with staff who go above and beyond to meet their needs.”
- “Pupils produce wonderful work, such as stunning pieces of art. This gives them a tremendous sense of achievement.”
- “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn as well as their peers, and often better” and “feel well supported and learn with a high degree of confidence.”
- “There is a huge range of wider opportunities. Many disadvantaged pupils say they get to do things they never could otherwise.”
- “Pupil leaders are passionate about making the school even better. A large proportion of pupils have leadership roles.”
- “Pupils receive a very strong careers education.” “Pupils are well-equipped to make informed choices about their next steps.”
- “Staff enjoy excellent professional development. They share a collective passion with leaders in developing all aspects of provision.”
Ofsted also recognised how Ormiston Academies Trust and the school have sustained their vision for outstanding education over time and are relentless and skilful in ensuring this is realised in practice.
As part of this, the school has been working closely with Flegg High Ormiston Academy, another local school within the Trust to ensure young people across Norfolk have access to the best learning opportunities. The positive trajectory of Flegg High, and benefits of the close partnership, were also confirmed in the school’s recent Ofsted report in February 2025 which recognised its “rapid progress” and “high expectations for pupils’ achievements.”
Simon Gilbert-Barnham, Senior Principal said: “We are immensely proud that Ofsted has recognised our academy as outstanding across the board, particularly its praise for the ‘Venture Way’ – the guiding ethos that shapes our culture, learning and personal development so every student is inspired to achieve their very best.
“This achievement belongs to everyone in the Venture community. Our staff and families go above and beyond to support our students, who in turn rise to every challenge and opportunity with pride and purpose. We are excited to continue building on this success and delivering the highest standards for every young person at Venture to leave well equipped for a successful future.”
Richard Dolding, Education Director for the East at Ormiston Academies Trust, said: “Huge congratulations to Simon and the entire team at Ormiston Venture Academy. To achieve outstanding in every category is a testament to the academy’s consistent ambition, excellence and commitment to its students.
“Ormiston Venture has long been a beacon of best practice across our Trust and the wider region. I know this report will inspire the school and its community to continue their exceptional work and go from strength to strength.”
Click here for the latest Ofsted inspection report.