Ofsted praises River Tyne Academy for offering fresh start for students
Staff and students at River Tyne Academy are celebrating as their recent Ofsted report has just been published. The school, with many students joining after being permanently excluded from their previous school, received a rating of ‘good’ overall as well as an ‘outstanding’ for personal development.
The school, in Gateshead, received their inspection in June and is part of the River Tees Multi-Academy Trust.
No stone unturned
River Tyne is an academy that caters for pupils who have previously been permanently excluded from school, those at risk of being excluded and pupils with SEND or in the care of Gateshead local authority.
River Tyne Academy has two sites in Gateshead and works in partnership with the local authority and schools across the region to ensure they are meeting the needs of young people within the local community. With high aspirations for all learners to achieve their potential and move into positive destinations, whether that be returning back to mainstream or moving into employment or other education post 16.
Ofsted stated that:
‘All pupils are provided with carefully tailored programmes to help them adjust to a new school environment’.
The inspection was the first by Ofsted since the pandemic began. River Tyne achieved good in all categories except for personal development which received a rating of outstanding. The report stated:
‘The quality of support for pupils’ personal development is exceptional. From the point of entering the school, no stone is left unturned. Each pupils’ needs are assessed and provided for.’
Senior Leadership and Governance praised
The report acknowledges the support provided by senior leaders and those in governance, stating:
‘They are absolutely determined to get pupils back on track after losing their way in mainstream education. Their ongoing investment in the academy has created an asset for the community.’
Chair of the Local Governing Committee Mark Bruce said:
‘I am absolutely delighted that the hard work of the team has been recognised with the latest Ofsted judgement. I am particularly pleased that the amazing work carried out around personal development has been recognised with an outstanding judgement’.
The report acknowledges ‘the academy has an ambitious curriculum’, and it is this that has supported previous leavers to achieve exceptional outcomes and secured 100% positive destinations. Christina Jones, Chief Executive of the River Tees Trust commented:
‘The team at River Tyne Academy Gateshead have really worked hard to build a school where all learners can achieve their best. As a Trust we aim to change lives and this report demonstrates the excellent work the team does every day and the significant journey of improvement we have been on together.’
Newly appointed Head Teacher Rebecca Matthews said:
‘The report captures very well the culture and ethos of the trust and I am excited to work with the team, schools and local community to continue to meet the needs of our young people’.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East added:
‘Congratulations to River Tees for their recent Ofsted report. It’s wonderful to see students who are permanently excluded can go on to achieve such great things. Well done to the school staff, governors and students for all their hard work.’
Read the full report here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/22/144352
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