Ofsted praises King Edward VI Academy in glowing inspection report

Staff and students at King Edward VI Academy are today celebrating after high praise from Ofsted following an inspection in January. The academy, part of David Ross Education Trust (DRET), was judged as continuing to offer a Good quality of education across every category, clearly demonstrating the high level of education which is taking place on a daily basis.  

The report outlines that leaders have ‘high expectations of pupils’ behaviour,’ and they have committed to ‘disruption-free learning’. Pupils respond well to these expectations and learn in classrooms where “behaviour is calm and focused”.

Ofsted inspectors also noted that the school offers an “ambitious curriculum” in which leaders have identified the most important knowledge they want pupils to learn. This is well structured so that pupils learn in an appropriate order and have the opportunity to revisit prior learning in lessons and homework when needed. They recognised the support of DRET in the school’s success, particularly in relation to the curriculum, stating that the trust “supports staff through training opportunities, including subject network groups”.

Other key highlights recognised in the report include:

• Teachers have “secure” subject knowledge and start each lesson with an opportunity to revisit previous learning so that their pupils are confident in developing their knowledge. This helps pupils build on what they already know. Teachers do well to model tasks, giving pupils insight into new ideas and knowledge, and encouraging pupils to “respond like a scholar”.
• Pupils at the school recall their learning well and are clearly making good progress. Work in their books demonstrates that they are learning well and pupils “take pride in their work”.

• School leaders have done well to prioritise reading at King Edward VI Academy. Pupils read a broad range of fiction. They either read or listen to their teachers read for 20 minutes each day which has had a positive impact on literacy. Staff use “effective strategies” to support those pupils who do need extra help to read more quickly and accurately.

• Staff do well to “quickly identify” those pupils who require additional assistance and then provide “tailored support” so that they can still learn the curriculum.

• At the school, “pupils interact positively with staff” and are attentive to important messages during the daily roll-call. Leaders have put in place effective interventions to improve pupils’ attendance which have clearly paid off. Pupils who require additional support to regulate their behaviour receive this and so are not prevented from continuing to learn.

• The school does well to teach pupils how to “keep themselves safe”. Pupils can talk well about the different faiths and cultures they have studied, while older pupils meet with staff to discuss careers and next steps after they leave school.

• Staff agree that leaders are “considerate of their workload and wellbeing”.

• “Leaders encourage pupils to live out the school values of ‘ambition, aspiration, courage, resilience, honesty and respect”. Pupils understand how these values impact upon their lives and their time at school, and said they enjoy coming to school because they know “they will be able to learn”.

• Because of the high expectations of staff and leaders, pupils enjoy learning in calm and quiet classrooms. Pupils feel safe and are not concerned about bullying. They feel as though they have “opportunities to be successful” at the school

• The school provides a “wide range of opportunities” for pupils to develop their talents and interests. These range from tabletop role-playing game clubs, sports clubs, charity events and trips outside the school, such as to Lincoln Cathedral, to better develop what they learn in the classroom.

Sue Jones, Executive Principal at King Edward VI Academy, said:

“We are all so pleased to receive this fantastic Ofsted report. Staff and students here work hard every day and I am delighted that those efforts have been recognised by the Ofsted inspectors. We are thrilled that Ofsted had the opportunity to see what really makes our school special and to have them agree that we’re continuing to provide a Good education.”

Stuart Burns, Chief Executive Officer at David Ross Education Trust, said:

“Congratulations to the whole team at King Edward VI Academy on this really positive Ofsted report. Sue, her staff, her students and the entire school community should be very proud of themselves for having their hard work and commitment to learning recognised in this fashion. I am sure that the school will continue to progress and I look forward to seeing them develop even further in the future.”