Ofsted

Following the two-day Ofsted inspection that took place at the academy on 15 and 16 November 2022, we are delighted to be able to share with you all, that Ossett Academy continues to be rated by Ofsted as a ‘good’ school with the report signposting many of the positive things inspectors saw during their time here.

Inspectors commented that, ‘Pupils learn well at Ossett Academy and Sixth Form College. They attend regularly. They feel safe at school. They are taught by knowledgeable teachers.’ The report outlines how well our pupils and students are supported to learn and achieve in an environment of ‘well taught lessons.’ Further to this, the inspection team noted that our pupils have access to ‘lots of after school clubs and other opportunities such as our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.’

During their visit, inspectors observed and reported on academy leaders having ‘high expectations’ where the behaviour of most pupils is positive. They noted how teachers address any behaviour falling short of expectations quickly, to allow learning to continue. In addition to this, the report comments on the ‘respectful atmosphere in and out of lessons during the inspection which is typical of the day-to-day life at the school.’ It highlights that ‘this environment, coupled with a well delivered curriculum, helps pupils to achieve well.’

The inspectors also observed the ways in which leaders had addressed historical concerns brought to their attention; including adapting the PSHE curriculum to prioritise pressing issues and making changes to the design of the school entrance and exit to support the safety of pupils.

The report goes on to identify the specific ways in which the academy can make further improvements as follows:

• Inspectors commented in their report, that whilst the behaviour and attitudes of pupils are typically positive, calm, and respectful, leading to pupils learning well, attending well, and feeling safe, ‘the behaviour policy that leaders have implemented is over reliant on the use of sanctions such as detentions’ which is causing some frustration for some parents and pupils.
• Whilst the inspectors noted that ‘leaders regularly communicate with parents through weekly newsletters and regular text messages to praise pupils doing well,’ they felt that the academy does not yet do enough to gather the views of parents/carers with some facing delays to queries when they contact the school.
• The report outlines how pupils with SEND benefit from the ‘breadth of the curriculum,’ ‘are taught well,’ ‘achieve well’, and that they ‘move on to appropriate destinations.’ The inspection team acknowledged that the academy has sought to mitigate the challenges it faces, such as the increased pressures relating to the EHCP process, coupled with a landscape of challenging recruitment to key posts within SEND. Inspectors noted that a combination of the factors, some outside of the academy’s control, has led to some pupils with SEND not being routinely supported in lessons. This has caused a frustration for the parents of those pupils.

Having considered the feedback from the inspection team, the academy has already begun to engage stakeholders in our next steps. This includes working with parents, carers, and pupils through focused sessions, including our Parent Forum and pupil voice workshops.

In conclusion, I am pleased that the efforts and hard work of our young people and staff members have been recognised during our inspection and that Ossett Academy continues to be judged a ‘good’ school.

Mrs Broome

Principal

Our latest Ofsted report (15 and 16 November 2022) can be found below: