Turnaround for Cambs school where bullying used to leave some students feeling 'unsafe' as 'inadequate' Ofsted rating becomes 'good'
A Cambridgeshire secondary school has achieved a 'good' Ofsted rating in a turnaround since receiving an 'inadequate' rating last year. The inspectorate's report into City of Peterborough Academy was published on Tuesday (September 17) after an inspection in July.
Ofsted described a move away from the problems of bullying criticised in 2023. This year's report stated: "The changes made since the previous inspection are welcomed by pupils.
"They can see how behaviour has improved. They enjoy learning within a culture where respectful interactions have become the norm. Consequently, pupils are happy in school. They feel safe, cared for and valued."
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Ofsted also said the school has "worked hard" to create a culture of respect, and most children are now well-behaved. Teachers are "taking effective action to address" the behaviour of the "small number of pupils continue to use offensive, homophobic or racially motivated language."
Principal Nicola Treacy took her position in September 2023, after the 'inadequate' rating was given. She said: "This inspection is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire school community.
"Our unwavering belief that every pupil can reach their full potential is paying off. I’m incredibly proud of our pupils, who have embraced this culture of respect and hard work. They continue to rise to the challenge, and their high-quality work and positive attitudes reflect the progress we are making as a school."
The importance of "high-quality work" at the school is backed up by Ofsted, which described an "ambitious" curriculum and new knowledge imparted in "easy-to-follow explanations". City of Peterborough Academy was rated 'good' in every area assessed: education quality, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
Wayne Norrie, CEO of Greenwood Academies Trust, which runs the school, said: "This is a fantastic outcome for City of Peterborough Academy. The dedication of the staff and leadership team, working in partnership with the Trust, has rapidly improved the quality of education provided to pupils.
"We are particularly proud of the school’s emphasis on creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. The ambition for all pupils to succeed both academically and personally is clear, and I am confident that the school will continue to go from strength to strength."
The previous report published in June 2023 stated "Pupils do not feel free from bullying", and described offensive and derogatory language as "commonplace". It was followed by a monitoring visit reported on in September 2023, which said progress had been made to improve the school but concluded: "City of Peterborough Academy remains inadequate and has serious weaknesses."
The school teaches around 845 children between 11 and 16. Its Ofsted ratings before 2023 were 'requires improvement' in 2019 and 'outstanding' in 2015.