Derbyshire school celebrates first 'good' Ofsted report

Staff gather to celebrate the 'good' Ofsted rating
-Credit: (Image: OAT)


One of the final schools to be given a single word overall grading ahead of announced changes to Ofsted inspections is celebrating because it was given "good" for the first-time. Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy was told it had achieved "a huge turnaround" after inspectors visited in June.

The academy, in King George Avenue, had been rated "requires improvement" three times since 2016. However, staff and leaders, with the support from Ormiston Academies Trust, have been working to bring about sustained improvement, with their transformation confirmed by Ofsted.

This has also been reflected in improved GCSE results this year, with students celebrating a wide range of exam success, including a 10% increase in maths and English at grade 5.

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The newly-published report praises the academy for "the high expectations it has for all its students", and the "ambitious and well-organised" curriculum which is now in place.

Other highlights noted in the report include:

  • The academy’s values have made a big difference to behaviour and attitudes helping students to enjoy their lessons and do their best

  • Students are offered a wide range of experiences during their time at the academy, including learning to play an instrument, taking part in a variety of sports and running a newspaper

  • The academy has ensured that the curriculum for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities meet their needs, meaning that they are successful

  • Reading is a priority at the academy, students are well supported to gain an understanding of key vocabulary

  • The curriculum strongly supports students’ personal development – students are provided with a wealth of experiences that broaden their horizons and deepen their cultural understanding

  • Students also learn about future employment and are able to take part in a wide range of visits, including to Berlin or Thailand

  • Students at the school behave well. They are also supported to keep themselves psychically and mentally fit

  • The academy, the trust and governors support leaders well, including those new to teaching enabling them to be successful in their roles

Principal Simon Leach said: "We are beyond delighted to see the hard work and effort that has gone into turning around our academy recognised by Ofsted. The impact is felt across our school and we are so proud to have created a highly ambitious environment where our students not only feel encouraged but inspired to learn and succeed.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to every member of our fantastic community – including our dedicated and hardworking students and staff, as well as our supportive parents, carers and families, who have all been instrumental in achieving this positive outcome."

The overall single word grading was scrapped by the Government earlier this month. Ofsted will continue to inspect schools against the same standards, but will now only issue gradings related to individual aspects of performance.

Education professionals had been divided on whether one overall grade could sum up the complexity of a school. This debate took on new urgency after head Ruth Perry took her own life after her school slipped from "outstanding" to "inadequate".