Ofsted inspected the school on December 5 and 6, 2023 which was the first time since 2011 when it was rated outstanding.
The school became an academy in 2013 and was exempt by law from routine inspection until November 2020.
In the recent inspection it was awarded ‘good’ in quality of education and leadership, and management, and ‘outstanding’ for the other categories of behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.
The report praised the pupil’s exemplary behaviour and said it “has high expectations of pupil’s behaviour and pupils live up to these.”
It also added: “The school does not consistently make clear the smaller steps of learning that some pupils with SEND need in order to successfully work towards the goals set for them.
“As a result, this may affect how well pupils with SEND are supported to progress through the curriculum.”
Additionally, Ofsted noted that teachers had “strong subject knowledge” and that the school worked closely with staff to “identify any training needs and tailors the training to meet what needs to be prioritised.”
As a result of this, teachers use effective activities to deliver the curriculum as intended, the report noted.
The school is part of the Aquinas Church of England Education Trust so other people in the trust also have responsibility for running the school.
A spokesperson for the school said: “We were pleased to welcome Ofsted to our school at the end of last year.
“Following Ofsted’s visit, we received a report which found our school to be ‘Outstanding’ in three areas; behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision, and ‘Good’ overall, which the entire school community was exceptionally proud of.
“Ofsted highlighted that ‘pupils are very proud of their school and they are happy to come here’, whilst commending our school’s ‘friendly’ atmosphere that supports our ‘high expectations’ of pupils, resulting in ‘exemplary’ behaviour.
“Teachers were praised for their ‘strong subject knowledge’ and for delivering a well-thought curriculum.
“Personal development is ‘extremely well supported’ through a range of extra-curricular activities, offers, and opportunities.
“We were most pleased with Ofsted recognising that we ‘use our school values well to foster a sense of community.’
“As an ambitious school, we continue to work hard to support all students regardless of their age and ability, ensuring they receive a high-quality education to reach their fullest potential.”
