Scunthorpe-Based Secondary Academy Praised By Ofsted
A secondary academy in Scunthorpe has been praised by Ofsted following a recent inspection, with there being ‘enough evidence’ to suggest the academy may soon be officially judged as Outstanding.
Outwood Academy Foxhills, based on Foxhills Road, is continuing to be Good according to Ofsted.
However inspectors noted that there was ‘enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged Outstanding’ if the education regulator were to return for a full section 5 inspection now.
Inspectors praised the academy’s work in supporting students with special educational needs and/or disabilities meets their needs, noting they ‘participate fully in lessons.’
Darren Smith, Principal at Outwood Academy Foxhills, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the fantastic improvements we have made at Outwood Academy Foxhills.
“At Outwood, we believe in putting students first, and the staff have worked tirelessly for this aim. The students have responded exceptionally well to this and have shown a great work ethic and determination to fulfil their potential, both academically and beyond the classroom.”
In its report following the inspection, Ofsted praised the academy’s work noting staff ‘work hard to provide effective support for individual pupils.’ It said that ‘the approach to behaviour and pastoral support has created a positive culture for learning,’ resulting in ‘happy and safe’ pupils ‘because they are well cared for and enjoy learning.’
This is driven by a ‘strong drive and a shared determination’ by the leaders of the academy and its sponsor, Outwood Grange Academies Trust. Inspectors noted that the academy’s leaders act with ‘integrity and moral purpose,’ and the overall effect of this is that ‘the trust and school staff are raising aspirations in the school and community.’
The positive nature at the academy is also aided by the fact that ‘pupils and staff are proud of the school’ according to Ofsted with behaviour and learning in the academy improving due to the academy ‘providing high-quality education’ which ‘has made it more popular with parents.’
Inspectors also praised the academy’s attendance which was increasing while persistent absence is decreasing. In the report, Ofsted encouraged the academy to continue this work.
Mr Smith added: “We have worked hard to implement our processes and we are seeing the rewards of this with improved standards. When the academy became part of the Outwood Family, it was in special measures. We have worked hard to improve and embark on a journey to becoming an Outstanding academy.”
Other highlights within the Ofsted report included the achievement of the students at GCSE being labelled as ‘strong’ by the inspectors and that the ‘high expectations’ of staff had led to ‘high standards of behaviour and effective learning,’ leaving the students, and the academy, ‘very calm and orderly’ according to Ofsted.