Wellington Academy rated 'good' by Ofsted

The latest Ofsted report for the academy rates its overall effectiveness as good after previously being graded as “requires improvement”.

It was good in the key areas of effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for pupils.

The report said: “Teaching continues to improve across the school because senior and middle leaders manage the performance of staff well.

“The curriculum is in the process of change as the school seeks to offer courses that will raise the aspirations of pupils. "There is now greater emphasis upon academic subjects, so that pupils will be better prepared for A-level courses and university.”

It said the quality of leadership has improved with higher standards of behaviour expected for pupils who are encouraged to succeed.

Principal Dr Michael Milner, pictured below with vice principal Ben Bond, said the report was a “moment for real celebration” and recognition of the “huge progress” made.

He said: “Achieving ‘good’ ratings is a vital step in the eventual transformation of this school into an outstanding place to be educated. We have seen positive change on so many fronts and the judgment of the Ofsted inspectors confirms our own view that our school is on the way to becoming ‘outstanding’ which is our goal.”

The report recognised the achievement of pupils has risen with progress made in English and maths.

The school recorded its best ever GCSE results in the summer with 50 per cent of pupils achieving A*-C grades, including English and maths.

However, inspectors said the school required improvement for its 16 to 19 study programmes. 

Inspectors said: “Too many learners following AS Level courses are failing to make the progress expected of them. As a result attainment on these courses is too low and too many learners fail to continue these courses on to A Level.”

The report said attendance was in line with the national average but it flagged up a rise in the number of exclusions adding: “Although this is because the school has rightly adopted a firmer approach to the management of behaviour. The fact remains that the number of exclusions is too high.”

Dr Milner added: “We knew the transformation of the education in the area would be challenging given its rural and military context and the historical low aspiration and the performance of the predecessor school. We are in this for the long term, to achieve the original aim of lasting benefit to the community around the academy.

"Following a reassessment of the sponsorship in late 2013, There has been rapid and deep change as this Ofsted report recognises. Although the 16 to 19 provision requires work, outcomes for students leaving the academy are strong. The report fails to mention some impressive A2 results. However, we accept the importance of improving AS provision. We are now focused on improving the areas identified by Ofsted as needing further work.”

The school is sponsored by Wellington College and is part of a multi-academy trust.