Pupils and teachers at Nottingham Girls’ Academy are celebrating after receiving a glowing review at its first Ofsted inspection since the pandemic began.
The Academy, located on Robin’s Wood Road and sponsored by Greenwood Academies Trust, received a section 8 inspection which is a shorter inspection following its section 5 inspection in 2016, designed to ensure the Academy remains Good.
The inspector found that the Academy not only continues to be Good but “there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if we were to carry out a section 5 inspection now.”
Following this high praise, Ofsted inspectors will return to Nottingham Girls’ Academy within the next two years to complete a full section 5 inspection and give the Academy a chance to enhance its rating to Outstanding.
During the inspection, the Academy was found to be inclusive, popular and thriving with a culture of high expectation connecting all aspects of school life. The inspector praised leaders for having an ambitious vision for the Academy that continued despite the challenges of the pandemic.
The report commended the Academy’s broad and expanding curriculum for meeting pupils’ needs and interests. Teachers’ subject knowledge was regarded as a strength, and many teachers were said to go beyond the national curriculum requirements, with the inspector adding “they set pupils challenging work and provide support when it is needed…Pupils’ achievement, particularly in academic courses, continues to strengthen”.
The Academy’s sixth form was held up as an example of continued improvement. The report quoted one sixth form pupil who said “moving to this school was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Pupils’ personal development was also observed as “a strong feature” across all year groups with subject leaders carefully considering how the curriculum can promote pupils’ moral and cultural development. Many pupils also take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and the Academy’s ‘BUILD’ programme to help develop qualities including respect, resilience and responsibility.
The inspector remarked on the high quality of careers advice and said that pupils are well informed about the different options available to them. The Academy’s partnerships with local businesses to promote careers for girls and its ‘build employment experiences’ scheme were exemplified as great practice.
During the inspection, pupils said they feel well cared for with the arrangements for safeguarding deemed effective. The Academy’s pastoral care was applauded, and leaders were said to look after pupils with protected characteristics as well as support diversity including the Academy’s LGBT+ group. Staff also effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language.
David Tungate, Principal at Nottingham Girls’ Academy, said: “Staff at Nottingham Girls' Academy are dedicated to improving the life chances of our pupils and helping them develop the qualities, skills and qualifications to fulfil their potential. Staff and pupils work hard every day to achieve this.
"Our reward comes from the progress and success of our pupils - the smiles when they achieve something they didn't think they could - but it is also fabulous to see our hard work reflected in this Ofsted report.
“We will continue to strive to provide the best possible education for our pupils and community. I would like to thank our pupils, their parents and carers and my staff for making this a special place to learn and work. We look forward to welcoming Ofsted back again in the future.”
Wayne Norrie, Chief Executive Officer of Greenwood Academies Trust, added: “I am incredibly proud of our ambitious team at Nottingham Girl’s Academy. As a Trust, we hold ourselves to the highest teaching and learning standards, and Mr Tungate and all our colleagues at the Academy are a testament to what can be achieved with high expectations, quality teaching and a focus on each child’s personal development. Well done to all involved and we look forward to the outcome of the Academy’s next inspection!”
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