Inspectors say Outwood Academy Valley is ‘Good’ across the board

Ofsted has rated Outwood Academy Valley ‘Good’ in all areas in a glowing report following a two-day inspection in April. The report states that ‘pupils enjoy attending’ and that they ‘achieve well’.

They were positive about the curriculum being delivered at the school, commenting that it is ‘ambitious and well-planned’. They also praised the Academy Conduct and Expectations (ACE) programme in place at the school for Year 7 students, reporting that ‘when they start school in Year 7, pupils follow a programme to help them be safe, respectful and responsible. Pupils enjoy this programme and say it helps them settle into school.’

Some of the many highlights of the report include that:

• Pupils feel safe in school. They appreciate the support they get from their learning managers.

• Many pupils participate in the extensive range of wider opportunities the school provides. 

• There is an ambitious and well-planned curriculum in place for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). 

• Teachers provide regular feedback to pupils. In the subjects where this is done consistently well, for example in mathematics and English, pupils achieve exceptionally well.

• The school is committed to developing a love of reading in all pupils. Pupils have regular library lessons, and the school organises many events to promote reading.

• Students in the sixth form benefit from an ambitious curriculum. Teachers in the sixth form have expert subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum well.

• There is a well-planned curriculum in place for pupils' personal development. In 'life'  lessons, pupils learn how to be safe online and in the community. They learn about the importance of being respectful to everyone, however different.

• Pupils get good career advice and guidance that prepares them well for their next steps.

• The school is well led and managed. Staff are proud to work at the school. They feel well supported.

Lee Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: 

“We are proud of the many strengths highlighted in this excellent report and I would like to praise the work of all those involved in this success - the academy’s leaders, the great staff team, the supportive parents and of course the fantastic students.

"We are always committed to providing the highest quality education across our family of schools. Outwood Academy Valley has a dedicated team of staff who work tirelessly to support their students and community, and we are confident that they will continue to strive for excellence. I’d like to thank them for their hard work, which has meant that the school is still in a much better position than it was before it joined us.

"As always, I will take the feedback from the report and continue to work closely with the school leadership to address the areas identified for improvement. We are confident that Outwood Academy Valley will continue to be a thriving learning community where students can achieve their full potential."

Dave Cavill, Principal at Outwood Academy Valley, added:

“I am delighted that the report reflects what I know - that Outwood Academy Valley is an inclusive place where students enjoy learning, are polite and respectful. 

“The positive outcome of the inspection is a testament to the dedication of every member of our school community, who work hard every day to put students first, raise standards and transform lives.”