GOVERNMENT inspectors have praised the turnaround at a dale school just six months after it was told it “must do better” by the education watchdog.
A recently published Department for Education report has recognised the “robust” progress that has been made at Staindrop Academy. The praise comes only months after a damning Ofsted report which rated the school as “requires improvement” .
In June last year, Ofsted revealed the school was “coasting” with pupil achievement below the national average for progress in English and maths during 2014 and 2015.
However, a further visit by officials on January 15 has found that the school is now heading in the right direction.
Inspectors have decided that no immediate follow-up is required as there is “sufficient capacity to deliver sustainable improvement” .
The report said there was “much evidence of improvement” since the last Ofsted judgement.
Headteacher Alyson Carr said: “We are very pleased with the report. It recognises the hard work that everybody has put into the school.
“It also recognises what work is still to do but Staindrop Academy is on its way to good. At its next inspection it will be a good school.”
The quality of teaching and learning, the varied curriculum and behaviour were commended in the report.
The hard work and dedication of staff, students, governors and support from parents was also identified.
Inspectors acknowledged the school’s strong GCSE performance last summer with 79 per cent of students achieving grade 4+ in English and 74 per cent grade 4+ in maths.
For students achieving grade 4+ in both subjects, Staindrop Academy was ranked above the national average of 66 per cent having reached 67 per cent. All those who left Staindrop last year found a job or a place on a training scheme or in further education.
Commending leadership and management within the school, the report stated: “There is a real drive to have high expectations of pupils.”
In September last year, Staindrop Academy joined a multi-academy trust (MAT) with Parkside Academy, in Willington, which has continuously been rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted since 2011.
A team of newly appointed governors and teaching staff have brought a fresh approach to Staindrop Academy’s drive for continued success.
Inspectors noted that the trust had taken “vital steps to secure stability of the school” . Key policies and procedures were recognised as helping to bring consistency to the school. Staff now also benefit from a rigorous programme of weekly professional development sessions to aid student progress.
Mrs Carr said: “We are really pleased that we have become part of a multi-academy trust. Parkside is a top school so we are really pleased to be working with them. It gives strength to our school as we are able to share their expertise. That can only be a positive thing for Staindrop Academy.”
Inspectors noted that the students’ attitudes had improved and they were proud to be part of the school.
Year 10 pupil, Nathan Bolton, said: “School has changed a lot for the good. The way the school is run now is better.”
Pupils approved of their two-week timetable, a new achievement points system and the new start and finish times for the school day.
Year nine pupil Madeline Parr said: “Small things have happened but our school has got better over the last year.”
Mrs Carr added: “Staindrop Academy is a school which is moving forward with a clear sense of purpose, committed to the success of its students and committed to building on and embedding the strengths which the DfE have recently commended.
“The academy would like to thank its parents for their support during this journey of improvement.”
