Congratulations to Academy 360
Academy 360, in Sunderland, celebrated this week after recently receiving an Ofsted grade of ‘good’, an amazing result over its previous rating of ‘inadequate’ in 2016.
The academy, now part of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, has made incredible progress since their last inspection. Academy 360’s development being recognised by Ofsted in this way is fantastic news for the local community, one of the most deprived in the country.
Remarkable turnaround
The improvement of the school is a truly remarkable turnaround that will inspire schools across the country. The result is a true testament to the hard work and effort that the staff and students have invested in in their school and community.
Ofsted inspectors praised the teaching staff, led by Principal Rachel Donohue, for their ‘clear vision’ for their students. Rachel came into the school after the previous low score condemned the academy as one of the ‘worst performing’ in the country. As well as benefiting from Rachel’s inspirational leadership, Academy 360 also gained valuable strategic support by joining the Laidlaw Schools Trust in 2018. CEO of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, Ian Simpson, said:
‘We are delighted that everybody’s hard work and determination has been formally acknowledged.’
Pupils committed to their studies
The school is in a community described as being amongst the most deprived in the country, with almost 70% of children eligible for free school meals. During the 2016 report, Academy 360 received criticism of its outcomes for students. The academy historically also had issues with recruitment and retention. It had become known in the local community for its low quality teaching and antisocial student behaviour.
In the past, students’ progress was seen by Ofsted as significantly below national averages with pupils underachieving against expectations. However, in their most recent inspection Ofsted stated:
‘Pupils are becoming aspirational and committed to their studies. The principal has successfully raised expectations.’
Rachel Donohue spoke of this historic achievement and milestone for the community of Pennywell:
‘We recruited dynamic leaders and committed staff who have taken the school from
strength to strength, supported by strong parental engagement and a relentless focus on teaching and learning. I am particularly proud of our staff who are described as tenacious, hard-working and determined. Their efforts to go above and beyond are highlighted as a strength with the result that students are increasingly aspirational and committed to their studies.’
Pandemic Proof
One thing that makes this transformation even more remarkable is that this progress took place despite the pandemic. Whilst many schools nationally are struggling with post lockdown attendance issues, Ofsted commented that attendance has improved at Academy 360 post pandemic.
‘The school has been hit by the pandemic but leaders have skilfully navigated this without losing sight of what needed to improve’
The North East has some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country and the pandemic has exacerbated these pre-existing conditions, yet Academy 360 has succeeded in following their goals of improvement and helping their students achieve the results they need.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East said:
‘We are very proud of the achievements of Academy 360. This Ofsted result shows policymakers and leaders from outside of our region how dedicated school staff can overcome and disprove the assumptions that schools within deprived communities will fall behind the national average. Furthermore, to have made such a great improvement during the pandemic, an unprecedented time of difficulty for our communities, is astonishing. The whole team at Schools North East would like to congratulate the students, and the staff from both Academy 360 and the Laidlaw Schools Trust for this great accomplishment.’
To read the report in full click here : https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50187142
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