Ofsted’s praise for academy school

The University Academy Long Sutton is ‘welcoming and caring’, says its latest Ofsted report.

But it was still rated as ‘requires improvement’ by inspectors who noted it has already ‘improved in many areas.’
“Everyone is delighted to be judged as a welcoming and caring school and is pleased to announce significant improvements since academy conversion,” said principal Liam Davé.
“Under new leadership and Trust sponsorship, UALS has achieved notable progress in key areas, with Leadership and Management, Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development all graded as ‘Good,” he added.
The report noted the curriculum is ‘ambitious and well-planned.’
Inspectors were in school on September 26 and 27 with the report published last Wednesday.
“The school plans well for pupils’ wider development. Pupils have ‘super learning days’ three times a year. These help pupils learn about different careers.
“Pupils also learn how to keep themselves safe, including when online,” it says.
“We are thrilled to see the hard work and commitment of our staff, governors and pupils recognised in the recent inspection,” said Mr Davé.
“As UALS looks ahead, we anticipate further improvements coupled with the completion of brand new school buildings. Our state-of-the-art facilities are set to enhance the overall learning experience for pupils,” he added.
The report says pupils at the school feel safe in school and say that staff are fair and consistent when dealing with any behaviour issues.
“There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils appreciate the support they get from teachers,” it adds.
A member of the University of Lincoln Academy Trust, the school has 716 students aged from 11 to 16.
The school was rated as ‘inadequate’ before it became an academy.
“The recent inspection highlighted the dedication of the school’s staff and governors, as well as the good behaviour and attitude of the pupils.
“Inspectors acknowledged the substantial improvements that have been made, leading to an overall positive and much improved assessment since the last inspection of the predecessor school.
“We believe that the academy is now on track to achieve an overall ‘good’ rating at the next Ofsted inspection,” added Mr Davé.
In order to improve, the inspection said the school should ensure that all teachers are aware of the key knowledge pupils should learn and in what order.