Inspectors praised students’ behaviour, attendance and the “family feel” at Colonel Frank Seely Academy following a two-day visit.
Colonel Frank Seely Academy has welcomed the findings of its latest Ofsted inspection, with the school achieving a “strong standard” in five areas.
Inspectors visited the academy on October 6 and 7 and found strong standards in attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
Achievement and post-16 provision were both judged to have met the expected standard.
Under Ofsted’s current inspection framework, schools are assessed across individual areas rather than receiving a single overall effectiveness grade.
Pupils ‘engage enthusiastically with their learning’
The report said students at the school “engage enthusiastically with their learning”, are safe and have opportunities for their voices to be heard.
Inspectors visited lessons, looked at students’ work and spoke to students, parents, staff, leaders and governors during the inspection.
Attendance was highlighted as one of the academy’s strengths, with inspectors saying it was “consistently above national average”.
The report also noted a “significant improvement” in attendance among students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Ofsted described the school’s curriculum as “ambitious” and said lessons were delivered by teachers who are “experts in their subjects” and make use of “carefully designed and research-informed strategies”.
Inspectors said students were confident when exploring their learning, valued their education and were motivated to do their best.
Behaviour described as ‘harmonious and productive’
Behaviour both in lessons and around the school was described as “consistently harmonious and productive”.
The report added: “Students are polite and well-mannered in their interactions with each other and visitors to the school.”
Inspectors also highlighted what they described as the academy’s strong sense of community.
The report said school leaders “know students as individuals and invest in their success”, while older students act as role models and contribute to the “family feel” of the school.
Parents and carers were also said to value that sense of family.
Ofsted praised the range of activities available outside lessons, saying students grew in confidence and took pride in expressing themselves through sporting and cultural activities.
GCSE results ‘consistently above national averages’
Inspectors also highlighted academic performance at the academy.
The report said students’ examination results at the end of Year 11 were “consistently above national averages”.
Staff were praised for maintaining high expectations, while inspectors said leaders continued to look for ways of improving examination outcomes and providing effective adaptations for pupils facing challenges with their learning.
The academy’s sixth form also received positive feedback.
Ofsted said sixth-form students received “effective teaching” and progressed well through a “well-designed curriculum”.
The report added: “Personalised support and experiences enhance their learning and help them to achieve their goals.”
Inspectors concluded that students were provided with “the knowledge, challenge and opportunities that enable them to grow as individuals”.
Headteacher ‘thrilled’ with findings
Headteacher Nicola Pearson said: “We are thrilled with the outcome of this inspection.
“The report celebrates the strengths of our incredible school and is a real reflection of the ongoing hard-work and commitment of our staff, students and community.”
Andrew Burns, chief executive of Redhill Academy Trust, which runs the school, also welcomed the findings.
He said: “I’d like to send my congratulations to all staff and students at Colonel Frank Seely Academy.
“Since joining Redhill Academy Trust, the school has gone from strength to strength, and as this Ofsted report reflects, it offers a fantastic educational experience for its students.”
Colonel Frank Seely Academy is part of Redhill Academy Trust, which comprises 21 academies across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
