.jpg)
The Abbey School is today celebrating a transformational result, having secured “strong standard” and “expected standard” gradings across almost all criteria, as part of the new Ofsted framework, recognising significant strengths in pupils’ personal development, wellbeing and post-16 provision.
Inspectors judged Personal Development and Wellbeing and Post-16 Provision to be Strong Standard, highlighting the school’s culture of care, high expectations, and effective preparation of students for life beyond school. The Pastoral Team was praised highly, with Inspectors commenting that "Pastoral support is a strength. Pupils trust staff to help them manage worries, and... feel safe and supported". Safeguarding was judged to be Met, confirming that arrangements are effective and that pupils feel safe, supported and confident to seek help when needed.
The inspection also confirmed that Curriculum and Teaching, Attendance and Behaviour, Inclusion, and Leadership and Governance are operating at the Expected Standard. Inspectors recognised a clear and ambitious curriculum, improving behaviour, secure safeguarding systems, and leadership that is reflective, purposeful and accurate in its self-evaluation. Inspectors noted that "the school has been through significant positive change" and that “Leaders demonstrate a deep commitment to their vision for further school improvement".
Achievement at Key Stage 4 was identified as the main area for further improvement, based on published GCSE outcomes. Inspectors were clear that this judgement was not driven by weaknesses in curriculum design, teaching quality or leadership, and they recognised improving trends, strong learning in Key Stage 3, and positive Post-16 destinations.
Dr Rowland Speller, Principal of The Abbey School, said:
“We are pleased that Ofsted recognised the strength of our work in personal development, safeguarding and sixth-form provision, which reflects the values and culture we work hard to build every day.
Inspectors recognised that pupils are learning well, feel safe, and are prepared for their next stage, including strong sixth-form retention and positive destinations. Our priority now is to continue strengthening key stage 4 outcomes so they fully reflect the learning and progress we see across the school.”
Since the school’s previous inspection, the school has worked in close partnership with The Howard Academy Trust, to make significant changes to leadership structures, curriculum design, safeguarding systems and behaviour support. Inspectors acknowledged the impact of this work, while identifying achievement at Key Stage 4 as the school’s main priority for further improvement.
The Abbey School serves a diverse community, with higher-than-average levels of disadvantage, SEND, pupil mobility and safeguarding need. Inspectors recognised the complexity of this context and its impact on attendance and outcomes, while also noting the effectiveness of the school’s systems, support and leadership.
Owen McColgan, Chief Executive of THAT, noted the dramatic change that has taken place over the past few years:
“Since joining The Howard Academy Trust, leaders and staff at The Abbey School have worked tirelessly alongside Trust colleagues to strengthen the school and ensure that pupils receive the high-quality education they deserve.
I would like to recognise the commitment of the leadership team and staff who have led this work with determination and care. Together they have focused on ensuring that pupils feel safe, supported and that they truly belong within their school community.
It is particularly pleasing that the report recognises the strong provision for Personal Development and Well-being, as well as the Sixth Form. These areas reflect the school’s commitment to developing confident, well-rounded young people and supporting students to succeed in the next stage of their education or employment.
The report also highlights that pupils feel part of a community that believes in them, challenges them and helps them to succeed. We are proud of the progress the school has made and remain committed to continuing this journey so that every pupil at The Abbey School can thrive.”
The school and its Trust will continue to work closely with staff, pupils, families and partners to build on the inspection findings and secure further improvement. Parents are encouraged to read the full inspection report, which reflects both the school’s strengths and the priorities already in place for continued development.
The full report can be found here:
To find out more about The Abbey School:
Visit the website: www.theabbeyschool-that.org.uk
Call the school on: 01795 532633