Picture: Jack Boskett Media.
‘Significant improvements’ and ‘raised expectations’ at Tewkesbury Academy have seen the school earn a rating of ‘Good’ in all areas from education watchdog Ofsted.
A team of Ofsted inspectors spent two days assessing the school, during which time they met leaders from the school and its trust, spoke with parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into a number of subject areas.
At the end of their analysis, inspectors concluded the school – which has undergone significant leadership changes since its last inspection, including a move to join the Cabot Learning Federation – is now rated as ‘Good’ for its leadership, behaviour, pupil development, sixth form provision and quality of education.
In her report, lead inspector Sara Berry said: “Tewkesbury Academy, with the support of the trust, has made significant improvements to the school. These changes are valued by many of the pupils, parents and carers and staff.
“Networks of support and challenge have enabled the school to make rapid improvements to the standard of education it provides.
“There is a clear drive from the school to continue the school improvement work that has been undertaken. The whole-school community is keen to be part of this ongoing work to benefit pupils.”
Inspectors went on to highlight the work done by school leaders to improve both the school’s provision and its impact and outcomes for students.
On student wellbeing, the report said: “Leaders have ensured the school is safe and that pupils have trusted adults to help them with any concerns that they may have. The school is clear that bullying is not tolerated. It provides pupils with routes to report concerns so that these can be addressed.”
On curriculum, it said: “The school has adopted and adapted the trust curriculum. This is bespoke and tailored to the needs of pupils at this school. For example, pupils learn about the rich local history of Tewkesbury. Pupils study a broad range of subjects at each key stage.”
On SEND provision, Ofsted said: “The school accurately identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teachers are provided with the information they need to adapt the curriculum effectively. Where these adaptations are provided, pupils with SEND learn as well as their peers.”
On attendance, inspectors said: “Attendance is a key priority for the school. The school closely tracks absence, identifying and addressing any barriers for individual pupils. This work is having a positive impact. Persistent absence has reduced and there are sustained increases in attendance. The school has the capacity and determination to continue this work to ensure the attendance of all pupils continues to rise.”
And on student outcomes, Ofsted said: “The school is ambitious for all pupils to achieve well. Pupils are increasingly successful in achieving qualifications. They receive the help and guidance they need to choose between future education, employment and training options that are appropriate for their ambitions. This means that most pupils and sixth-form students move successfully on to their next steps.”
Additionally, the report praises Tewkesbury for its ‘effective’ safeguarding, the ‘sense of belonging’ created by personal development opportunities, and the pride instilled in pupils through representing the school in sport and the arts.
They also noted careers-related activities which help to raise student aspirations, the ‘importance’ placed on reading standards, and pupils’ understanding of ‘tolerance and respect’ gained through lessons in British values.
Leaders within both Tewkesbury Academy and the Cabot Learning Federation have welcomed Ofsted’s findings.
Kathleen McGillycuddy, Principal at Tewkesbury Academy, said:
“We are very proud of our school and of our community. Tewkesbury is a great place to grow up and Tewkesbury Academy is a great place to go to school.
“This report reflects the work we are doing to give all our young people the very best we can and it has given us the determination to keep going.
“This is an important moment for our community and I’m really pleased for all my colleagues and all our pupils.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“This is an excellent outcome following a period of sustained school improvement since the last inspection.
“Well done to the team at Tewkesbury Academy, which has worked tirelessly, and thanks to the community of parents, carers, and governors who have stuck by the school and supported it throughout.”
