Ofsted praises Outwood Grange Academy in glowing report
Ofsted has rated Outwood Grange Academy as ‘Good’ overall - and ‘Outstanding’ for its personal development curriculum. The report states that the Potovens Lane-based school ‘prepares pupils well for the next stages of their education or employment’.
Inspectors were also positive about the Post 16 provision, noting that students are ‘determined learners with high aspirations’.
Some of the many highlights of the report include:
Very many pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are positive about their education and achieve well.
Pupils and staff establish positive relationships. Pupils know who to turn to if they have concerns.
Staff benefit from the trust’s extensive programme of training to lead and teach the curriculum in their subjects.
The school has a very effective system for supporting struggling readers. Staff identify pupils’ needs precisely.
Leaders have a detailed oversight of the needs of pupils with SEND. Leaders use this information to create each pupil’s individual profile. Teachers and support staff use these profiles to shape teaching to the needs of pupils. Many pupils with SEND achieve well.
High numbers of pupils attend the wide range of high-quality enrichment activities.
There is an impressive careers programme. Pupils, including those in the sixth form, get the support they need to make well-informed decisions about their futures. High proportions move into education or employment when they leave school.
Andrew Downing, Principal at Outwood Grange Academy, said:
"I am incredibly proud of all the positives highlighted in this Ofsted report which reflect the dedication of our school community.
“The ‘Outstanding’ judgement for our Personal Development curriculum is a testament to our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are well prepared to succeed in all aspects of life. We are determined to build on this success and continue providing the highest quality education for all our students.”
Lee Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, added:
"We are very pleased that Ofsted has recognised the school's unwavering commitment to excellence in all areas, particularly the outstanding personal development of our students. This outcome is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire school community.
“We will use the feedback from the inspection in order to continuously improve our practice and provision, always putting students first in everything we do."