A secondary school that was judged "inadequate" by Ofsted inspectors four years ago is now celebrating after earning a "good" rating.
Walbottle Campus, in Newcastle, was put in special measures following an inspection in 2019. It then joined the Northern Education Trust (NET) in 2020, becoming Walbottle Academy.
Now the academy, which has around 1,637 students aged 11 to 18, has had its first graded inspection since joining the trust. And Ofsted has given it a "good" rating in all categories, highlighting the dramatic changes at the school.
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The new report says: "Walbottle Academy has undergone a transformation in recent years. Staff describe the change as ‘monumental’. Older students say it ‘feels like a different place’.
"Trust leaders have taken swift and decisive action to bring about rapid improvements across all areas of school life. They have set high expectations for what pupils can achieve. Pupils are rising to this challenge."
It further adds: "Pupils are safe and happy here. They feel strongly that pupils treat each other with respect. Pupils explain that bullying is taken very seriously by staff. They feel confident reporting it if it does occur. Leaders ensure that bullying is not a problem at this school.
"This is now an inclusive community, where pupils feel accepted. Pupils value the new rewards systems that celebrate attendance and academic achievement. They are proud of what they achieve. Leaders have created a positive culture, where success is recognised. Pupils’ behaviour around school is orderly and well managed by staff. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive."
Inspectors noted that school leaders had introduced a new ambitious curriculum across all subject areas and ensured the range of courses available at key stages 4 and 5 were matched to pupils’ aspirations. It was also said staff were well trained about how to support pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.
There were however some areas where the school needed to improve, according to Ofsted. The report said: "While on a declining trend, suspensions are still high. Some pupils are still making poor choices.
"This means that pupils who are suspended are missing out on specialist teaching. Leaders should ensure that the behaviour system improves the behaviour of all pupils, so that suspensions continue to reduce."
It further adds: "Although attendance is improving, some pupils still do not attend regularly enough. This is particularly true of some pupils with SEND. This absence will inevitably have a negative impact on the education of these pupils. Leaders should ensure that systems to improve attendance continue to reduce persistent absence."
Commenting on the new "good" rating, principal Martin Wood said: "I am thrilled for our whole community that Ofsted has recognised the incredible transformation that Walbottle Academy has. This would not have been possible without the relentless hard work and commitment of our talented staff, our amazing students as well as the support we have received from our fantastic families.
"I am pleased that inspectors have recognised the hard work and rapid improvements across all areas of school life. Similarly, we are our proud inspectors have acknowledged our strong culture of praise that exists at the academy and the high expectations that we hold. We will never be complacent and we will always strive to produce the best possible life chances for our amazing students."
Rob Tarn CBE, chief executive, added: "I am delighted that Walbottle Academy has been judged as Good by Ofsted. Since joining the trust, the school has blossomed and it is now unrecognisable from the school it once was and this has been made possible thanks to the focus, dedication and energy of everyone involved: senior leaders, trustees, governors, staff and of course our incredible and dedicated students and their families."
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