Ormiston SWB Academy celebrates ‘GOOD’ Ofsted rating
Ormiston SWB Academy celebrates ‘GOOD’ Ofsted rating as inspectors applaud staff for “expecting the best” from students
Ormiston SWB Academy, which is sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), has received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted in its latest report.
During the inspection, which took place on 24th and 25th November 2021, inspectors noted that the academy is a “happy place to be” and both students and staff are proud of it. They particularly emphasised how the academy’s core values of character, organisation, resilience and excellence “run through every facet of school life” and that all staff expect the best from students in everything they do, with students rising to the challenge.
Alongside these highlights, inspectors outlined numerous ways in which the academy is providing a strong education for its students. Notably:
- Students behave well and are polite and courteous to each other, staff and visitors, and leaders have created a community that is respectful of everyone.
- Life at the academy extends well beyond the academic, with students participating in a wide range of clubs and activities, from learning sign language to Scalextric club.
- The academy is well led, and the principal Rod Hughes and senior leaders have spread their ambition throughout the community, with everyone working together to drive continued improvement.
- Leaders are ambitious for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and expect pupils with SEND to learn the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. They adjust lessons so that this happens and are alert to each student’s specific needs.
- There is an impressive personal development curriculum, which supports with everything from careers to online safety to diversity and equality and is highly valued by pupils.
- The curriculum serves students well and offers a range of ambitious and varied academic and vocational courses. As a result, students can gain the qualifications that help them take their next steps.
The report demonstrates how everyone at Ormiston SWB Academy has done an excellent job over the past few years since joining the Trust in continuing to build upon its strong foundations and provide the very best for students, overcoming any challenges along the way.
Rod Hughes, Principal at Ormiston SWB Academy said:
“We are really proud to have received this rating from Ofsted, and pleased that they have recognised the tremendous efforts of everyone in our academy community to ensure the success of our students, both academically and personally.
“Inspectors saw that at the core of our academy are students and staff who respect and support one another, and who strive to be the best they can in all circumstances.
“This result is further motivation to keep pushing forwards and improving further, never resting on our laurels but constantly striving to achieve the best possible opportunities for our students.”
Paula Jones, OAT Regional Director North and West said:
“This rating is well-deserved by everyone at Ormiston SWB Academy, who have been brilliant in the way they have created a positive and nurturing environment for students, despite the unusual circumstances of the past couple of years. “The kind, caring and supportive community that has been fostered is a testament to the hard work of both staff and students. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the academy, because I know it will only continue to excel.”
To celebrate our recent “Good” OFSTED report, lessons were interrupted so students could enjoy a muffin and watch a celebration video, highlighting the journey that SWB Academy has been on over the last 10 years.
You can read our report in full below: