Ofsted praises Wardle Academy

Carole Fisher - Wardle Academy headteacher

Wardle Academy has been given a ‘good’ grading by Ofsted inspectors following a full inspection of the school on Tuesday 12 December and Wednesday 13 December 2017.

Inspectors observed learning across the school and visited classrooms with senior and middle leaders.

They examined pupils’ workbooks across a range of subjects during observations.

Meetings were held with the headteacher, senior and middle leaders, representatives from the governing body and the trust, a group of staff and two parents.

Inspectors spoke informally to pupils in classrooms and had meetings with three groups of pupils throughout the two days.

The inspectors made special mention of pupils’ behaviour in classrooms and during the day, saying they are courteous and polite, and are committed to working hard.

Carole Fisher, Wardle Academy headteacher, said: “I am delighted that, together, we have managed to improve all aspects of the school.

"There have been a lot of changes over the past two years, all of which have been made with the aim of improving the education and wellbeing of all our students.”

The inspectors noted: “The strong and ambitious leadership of the Headteacher, supported by leaders, governors and members of the trust, has resulted in a noticeable improvement in behaviour, the quality of teaching and outcomes of students since the last inspection.”

The inspectors were particularly impressed with the relationships between staff and pupils, which support good learning. Many pupils told inspectors how much they appreciate the support they receive from their teachers.

The inspectors were very impressed that since the last inspection, leadership at all levels, including governance, has been strengthened. Expectations of staff and pupils have been raised and despite recent and wide-ranging changes, staff morale is high and parents and pupils are very positive about the changes that have taken place.

Mrs Fisher added: “Although we are very pleased with the report we are now determined to continue moving the school forward and will carry on working hard on the areas for improvement identified by Ofsted as these were already included in our whole-school improvement plan.

"I would like to thank everyone for supporting the school over the past two years when there has been a great deal to do and many people, staff and students, have had to work extremely hard.”