Ofsted news is good news for academy youngsters
A school has enjoyed a clean sweep of glowing remarks on the back of its latest inspection.
St Augustine Academy in Oakwood Park, Maidstone, has been awarded an overall rating of ‘good’ in a report published by Ofsted after a two-day visit.
Inspectors awarded the high mark in the five core categories of leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, achievement of pupils and sixth-form provision.
Principal Jason Feldwick said: “We are thrilled to have been given such a great endorsement by Ofsted, who have recognised the hard work of everyone at the academy to improve standards and build upon that ongoing success.
“Our core principles are based upon developing the gifts and talents of all students and guiding them on to a career path to fulfil their aspirations.”
The academy, which opened in September 2011, has 555 pupils. This includes 39 students in its smaller-than-average sixth form.
Pupils were praised for their achievements and for behaving well in class and around the grounds, while staff were recognised for improving their quality of teaching since the previous inspection last year.
The inspectors were impressed by the progress of sixth-formers, who were close to the national average for academic grades during their time there. Those taking vocational courses made even better progress.
Ofsted said St Augustine would be able to achieve an ‘outstanding’ grade if teachers maintained high standards, ensured marking identified what the youngsters needed to do to improve their work and set assignments that were neither too easy nor too hard.
David Bi l ton, chief executive officer of Woodard Academies Trust, which sponsors the school, said: “This latest Ofsted report is deserved reward for the hard work of Mr Feldwick, his staff and the pupils.”