It might only be the start of the new academic year, but Wyvern Academy in Darlington is already celebrating a huge achievement!
Ofsted recently revealed that it judges the school to be ‘Good’ following an inspection in June 2023. The academy, which is part of Consilium Academies, was previously judged as ‘Requires Improvement’. So this is incredible progress indeed.
The inspectors said that “leaders have achieved their ambitious vision of giving this community the school it deserves” and praised the academy for being a place where pupils “are being prepared to succeed in life”.
Staff told inspectors they are proud and happy to work at the school; they believe leaders value their wellbeing and that they are keen to “roll up their sleeves” and work hard.
Ofsted found that all staff are committed to the headteacher Owen Inglis’ vision of securing the best life chances for pupils in their community.
An overwhelmingly positive review that everyone should be proud of
The report was incredibly positive overall and full of praise for the school. Key highlights include:
● The quality of education: Pupils have access to a broad and ambitious curriculum, and leaders are committed to providing pupils with an education that sets them up to achieve well in later life. The curriculum is aspirational for all pupils, and across all subjects, vocabulary is prioritised, which means that pupils can articulate themselves and explain their learning.
● Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND): SEND pupils are at the heart of decision making around curriculum design, and leaders make sure that teachers have precise and focused information about how best to support pupils with SEND in lessons.
● A culture of reading: Leaders have thought carefully about how to embed reading through all aspects of school, and the library has been extensively restocked and is now a thriving space where pupils enjoy reading.
● A culture of celebration and recognition: Pupils’ ‘wonderful work’ is celebrated weekly and pupils are rightly proud of their achievements.
● Behaviour: Pupils behave well in lessons and around school, and all teachers and pupils understand the expectations around behaviour.
● Safeguarding: Safeguarding is a priority, and there are a large number of staff who are trained to act as safeguarding leads, which means that there is good capacity for leaders to deal with concerns as they arise. Pupils are confident that they always have someone to talk to, and are taught how to keep themselves safe.
Chris Zarraga, Director of School’s North East, said: “Delighted to hear that Wyvern Academy has been rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted for the first time in the school’s history. Staff and pupils are rightly bursting with pride.
“Ofsted inspections can be such a stressful, worrying period, so to receive such amazing results and to know that all your hard work has paid off is absolutely worth shouting about. Congratulations, everyone.”
You’re invited to see for yourself!
At 6pm on Thursday the 5th of October, Wyvern is holding a Year 6 Open Evening and has invited the local community to come and see this ‘Good’ school for themselves.
Owen Inglis, Head Teacher of Wyvern Academy, said: “We are over the moon to be rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, the first in the school’s history.
“As a school community we have worked so hard to drive forward improvement and ensure Wyvern is a great school for students to attend and for staff to work at. It’s lovely to see our ambitious vision applauded and recognised.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to all of our staff for working tirelessly to offer an excellent education: this report is a reflection of their dedication to our school. I would also like to pay tribute to our parents and carers who have offered so much support as important members of our school community.
“And last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank our amazing students: the report highlights their brilliant behaviour, and commitment to their education. We could not have asked for a better start to the 2023-24 academic year.”
Tracey Greenough, Interim Chief Executive of Consilium Academies, said: “I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Owen and his team for this brilliant result. The transformation at Wyvern is an inspiration to us all across the trust, and I am thrilled that Ofsted recognises the commitment that has gone into making it the school the community deserves.
“I am sure that Wyvern will go from strength to strength, and I look forward to working with Owen and his team as it does.”
Wyvern Academy is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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