A Worksop school has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted. Outwood Academy Portland, Netherton Road, was given the grading following a two-day inspection in September.

The report opens with praise for the ethos and calm environment within the school, stating “The school’s values, ‘be kind, be proud and be resilient,’ are reinforced regularly and are lived daily. Pupils are known and cared for very well. They know who to turn to if they have any worries. They are safe. Pastoral care is very strong.”

Other highlights of the report include:

●        Pupils value the focused, orderly and calm ethos across the school. Their conduct is polite, courteous and purposeful.

●        Pupils benefit from a range of well thought through opportunities to support their personal and character development. They take pride in their achievements. They enjoy extra-curricular activities, for example, singing in the school choir, which is a joy to listen to.

●        The school enables pupils to gain knowledge, understanding and skills. Staff support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by adapting teaching to meet their needs.

●        The school has developed a comprehensive personal, social, health and economic education curriculum. This includes age-appropriate relationships and sex education. Pupils learn about healthy lifestyles.

●        Reading is a whole-school priority. The school’s ‘Portland Read’ initiative is introducing younger pupils to a range of carefully selected texts that nurture a love of reading and extends their understanding of diversity

●        Overwhelmingly, staff are upbeat about the school. They value the positive changes in the school’s culture. They appreciate training opportunities. They welcome steps to make workload more manageable. Staff morale is positive and they are very proud to be part of the school.

●        Leaders, including those with responsibility for governance, know the school very well. They lead with a shared vision and strong moral purpose. They strategically focus on what needs to be developed.

Danielle Sheehan, Principal at Outwood Academy Portland, said:

“I am delighted with the outcome of our inspection, it was overwhelming to see our students keen to share how happy they are learning at Portland. The inspectors could see the love and care from all of our staff, which in turn leads to high quality learning. I’m bursting with pride.”

 Carolyn Blundell, Associate Executive Principal, added:

“I am delighted that the hard work of Mrs Sheehan and her team has been recognised in this inspection and the report recognises what a special place Outwood Academy Portland is.

“I would also like to thank the students for their contribution to the inspection process and their hard work and dedication every day. It is a delight to be involved and I look forward to working with the school in the coming months and years; I have every confidence the school will continue to go from strength to strength.”