The school changing the lives of its pupils
Academy for behavioural problem youngsters get top marks
AFREE school set up specifically to support kids who struggle with conventional education has been praised for their ‘impeccable’ behaviour and achievements.
The Fermain Academy, based on Oxford Road in Macclesfield, was opened in 2015 for pupils with behavioural and attendance problems.
And just three years later, has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ report from Ofsted, the highest recognition awarded to schools.
Nic Brindle, headteacher, said they are delighted with the report.
He said: “It’s a cracking report. It’s the first inspection we’ve had so we are very pleased. It’s very rare To get outstanding is rarerity across the county, particularly those offering alternative provision (AP).”
He added: “Some AP schools don’t push their learners. Just because things have been difficult for them and they need more support, it doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of achieving what their peers in mainstream schools achieve.”
He added: “Kids come to our school for all kinds of reasons, they may have struggled to get on with a mainstream school, they may have autism or had a bereavement, or just fallen out of love with education.
“The inspector commented that all pupils including those who are looked after, disadvantaged, or with special educational needs, make similar fast paced improvements.”
Mr Brindle added that the next step is to become a precedent for all alternative provision education across the country, so all children have access to the best education.
The school was visited in June, with inspectors revealing their findings last week. The academy was awarded Outstanding in all five areas.
The inspectors praised the school’s leadership and the impeccable behaviour of the students.
In summary, the report said: “Leaders, governors and staff have established a school that truly changes the lives of pupils and their families.
“Pupils typically join the school feeling demoralised. The school quickly builds their confidence and self-esteem. This underpins the excellent academic progress that they make.
“Pupils’ behaviour is impeccable. Staff teach them how to regulate their own behaviour.
“Teachers have very high expectations of pupils. They provide work that enables them to make rapid progress.”