A Knowsley secondary school has completely transformed its performance, jumping from an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted judgement two years ago to ‘Good’ in a recent inspection.

It is an impressive turnaround for the school, with the latest report judging ‘Good’ in four out of five criteria, with an overall ‘Good’ rating.

Effectiveness of Leadership and management, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, support for pupil’s personal development, their behaviour and welfare and the school’s 16 to 19 study programme were all judged ‘Good’. 

Inspectors highlighted the “culture of aspiration” in the school and said that improved teaching has transformed pupil’s attitudes to learning. It said the support of the Wade Deacon Trust has been pivotal in the school’s successful journey.

In addition, school attendance has significantly improved– inspectors said this was because pupils are motivated to attend because they want to succeed. One pupil spoken to during the inspection said, “The teachers have made us see that learning is important.”

All in all, inspectors agreed that  the pace of change at Halewood Academy has been ‘phenomenal’. 

Gary Evans, Principal at Halewood Academy, said “I’m delighted with this result and that our drive to improve education in Knowsley, providing high quality teaching and learning, has been recognised by Ofsted.  We have been progressing a robust improvement plan over the last two years, which is clearly having a positive impact.

“We have provided a learning environment where our pupils can flourish and achieve their potential through high quality teaching and pupil development.  This was highlighted by Ofsted’s Inspectors who commented that our mission – inspirational teaching for aspirational learners – is embedded throughout the school, both by teachers and pupils alike.  We will now build on this fantastic achievement and continue to support our pupils to achieve success in their future studies and careers.”

Inspectors observed lessons, examined pupil reports and records of behavior and attendance. They reviewed policy documentation, looked at pupils’ work across a range of subjects and year groups, interviewed school staff, the governing body, representatives from Wade Deacon Trust and Knowsley Council.  Parents’ views were also obtained via an online questionnaire.

Pamela Wright OBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Wade Deacon Trust, added “The Trust is delighted that Ofsted has judged Halewood Academy as a good school. Our Trust ethos is ‘a commitment to excellence’ which runs through everything we do as a multi academy Trust. We strongly believe that every child deserves to have an excellent education in a good school. All our Academies are committed to providing outstandingeducational opportunities for its pupils.  Halewood Academy is now truly a good school on a journey to outstanding. We value the excellent relationship that we have with Knowsley Council and its school community.”

Paul Boyce, Director of Children’s Services at Knowsley Council, added: “The pace at which Halewood Academy has achieved this improvement is extremely impressive. Their partnership with Wade Deacon Trust, a much respected Multi-Academy Trust, has really paid dividends and the whole school community can be very proud of their achievements to date, and very optimistic for the future. We will continue to work with the school to offer support and guidance to help them improve even further in the years to come.”

 

You can read the full report on Halewood Academy’s website, www.halewoodacademy.co.uk