Good quality education tops academy timetable

That was official the verdict of inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education who visited Academy@Worden.

It was the first short inspection since 2012 under tough new criteria and since conversion to academy status.

The inspectors were impressed with the leadership team, under the auspices of headteacher Chris Catherall, and was applauded for maintaining the “good quality of education” at the Westfield Drive school.

They told headteacher Chris Catherall: “ ou have continued to establish a purposeful and thriving school.”

Pupils at the growing school benefit from good teaching in most subjects and, said the inspectors, they leave with brighter prospects due to “ a passionate and driven leadership team working alongside teachers who care and meticulously plan for each unique cohort and the challenges that prevail”.

While the number of pupils who leave with the benchmark five or more GCSEs has fluctuated in recent years Ofsted was particularly impressed with the progress of pupils who have special educational needs or disability.

This is higher than the national average.

The inspectors said: “The pupils are well cared for, and make the progress of which they are capable because of consistent effective support.”

In the final report, the inspectors said the school was on track to reach targets and stated: “Teachers’ expectations of what pupils can achieve are consistently high across the school.

“Pupils present their work well in their books; teachers encourage them to take pride in all they do.”

The inspection report added: “Pupils complete work that is well matched to their ability and respond frequently and effectively to teachers’ feedback on how to improve their work.”

They said: “Strong relationships exist between teachers and pupils and consequently pupils’ attitudes to learning are consistently high.”

Mr Catherall said: “I was extremely proud when I read the letter from Ofsted saying that they had judged us to be a good school yet again.

“Everyone has worked so hard and I would like to thank them all for their commitment to the school.

“Ofsted raised the bar again this September making it even harder for schools to achieve this judgement which was confirmed during the one day inspection.”

The school received a VIP visit from South Ribble MP Seema Kennedy this week and saw pupils at work for herself.