Worden News

“Academy@Worden continues to be a good school.” Ofsted
22/01/2020

I am pleased to inform you that Ofsted have confirmed that our final inspection report will be published earlier than expected. The Inspection took place on 8th and 9th January and was led by one of ‘Her Majesty’s Inspectors’, Erica Sharman. The letter confirms that, “Academy@Worden continues to be a good school.”

The two-day inspection confirms the judgements made in the previous two inspections which took place in 2012 and 2016.

The full letter will be available on the Ofsted website, and via a link on our website, early next week. In the meantime, I have provided a small extract from the report which I thought you may like to see in advance. To receive three consecutive judgements of ‘good’, the latest under yet another and very different framework, is a challenge for any school. I am extremely proud of the pupils and staff who have worked together so incredibly hard to ensure Worden continues to raise the bar.

I hope you will take time to read the letter which is much shorter than previous inspection reports. It is extremely positive about everything we are doing to ensure that Worden delivers a first-class education for every child. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support, the pupils for their hard work and excellent behaviour, the governors for their support and finally the staff members who have worked tirelessly to raise standards across the school.

Yours sincerely,

Mr C Catherall
Headteacher

Letter from Ofsted following our Section 8 inspection on 8th and 9th January 2020
  • This is a happy and welcoming school.
  • Pupils work hard… pupils behave well. Leaders are ambitious for pupils’ learning.
  • Teachers have high expectations for all pupils.
  • Leaders have improved outcomes for pupils in the GCSE examinations. The progress that pupils make by the time they leave Year 11 is now higher than the national average.
  • Leaders provide many opportunities for pupils to read in school. Pupils’ reading has improved.
  • Pupils are given many opportunities to engage in clubs. Pupils value their school council. They particularly enjoy the wide range of sports clubs that are available at lunchtime and after school. Many pupils in Year 9 participate in the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award. A good proportion of these pupils successfully complete the silver award in Year 10.
  • Leadership has been strengthened since the last inspection. There is a strong and enthusiastic leadership team. Leaders have brought about improvement in all areas of the curriculum, including pupils’ personal development.
  • Pupils are taught how to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. They learn about other cultures. They know that some people have different beliefs and values. Leaders provide a variety of trips both locally and nationally.
  • Leaders have improved the careers advice and guidance for pupils. This is helping more pupils to move on to appropriate destinations when they leave school.”
  • In addition, as with every school, the Inspector praised the way the staff understood and knew the pupils and managed any possible behaviour issues.
  • Academy@Worden continues to be a good school.