WOA is a ‘Good’ school

Ormiston Wodensborough Academy has this week received its first ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, following the publication of a glowing report which recognises the school’s “inspirational leadership” and “exceptional” response to the pandemic.

The report follows a visit which took place across the 24th of June, 7th and 8th July, and signals the culmination of nearly 5 years of hard work since the school’s original ‘Requires Improvement’ assessment in October 2016.

Amongst some of the key areas highlighted in the latest report are:

• The senior team’s “inspirational leadership,” and the teamwork which extends throughout the school, including the observation that “all the staff want to do the best for every one of the pupils.” More so, the report notes that “senior leaders support and energise the whole school community.”
• The school’s “exceptional” response to the pandemic, including the establishment of effective remote learning, and work to ensure that students had the facilities they needed to learn. The report notes that the school “planned pupils’ return to school imaginatively, recognising especially the need to support their mental health.”
• The “radically improved” structure of the curriculum, including “major improvements in the teaching of modern and ancient languages [which has] meant that more pupils want to study a language at key stage 4.”
• The breadth of subjects which students with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can and do study at the school.
• The “strong subject knowledge” of teachers in the main school and sixth form, as well as their ability to “explain ideas well”, use specialist vocabulary and expect students to do the same.
• That the school has placed “pupils’ personal development… at the heart of the academy,” and “provides pupils with the social and cultural knowledge that enrich their lives as citizens.”
• Ormiston Academies Trust’s (OAT) important role in providing effective support for the school in curriculum development and in financial management.
• Pivotally, the report noted that students themselves have recognised the improvements in the school and say that they feel safe.

Inspectors concluded that the school had taken “great strides forward” in recent years, and that it was deserving of its elevated rating.

Leigh Moore, Principal of Wodensborough Ormiston Academy, said:

“Everyone at the academy is delighted with this ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, as it represents the hard work, determination and tenacity of the entire school community in improving standards and empowering students.

“While this is a positive opportunity to reflect on 5 years’ hard work, the academy will not be resting on its laurels, and will continue to grow and develop. We have always believed that we were a good school, and continually strive to be great, so it is hugely encouraging to receive this official recognition from Ofsted.

“Of course, this has been a team effort, so I would like to thank our staff, students and the wider community for their diligence and support. We have achieved this rating together, and will continue to build upon it in the same spirit”

Nick Hudson, Chief Executive of Ormiston Academies Trust, said:

“I am enormously proud of Leigh and the whole team at Wodensborough Ormiston Academy for receiving their hugely deserved ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted.

“The proactive and positive steps they have taken, and the tenacity and spirit they have shown to turn the academy around has been inspiring, and I am confident that this is the start of another exciting chapter for the school, which will benefit the entire community.”