The headteacher at an inadequate school in Nottinghamshire says improvements have been made and it is now rated 'good'. Inspectors visited the academy in Sutton-in-Ashfield in 2019 and published a damning report, but pupils now say it is "way better than it used to be".
The Sutton Community Academy was deemed one of the most underperforming in the UK, prompting Ashfield District Council to lash out at the Government over cuts to education. However, the new principal has spoken out in defence of the school. Ofsted had initially found cases of bullying were not resolved and teaching was inconsistent at the school in High Pavement.
In its most recent inspection report, however, it has been rated 'good' in all areas, improving from the 'inadequate' it was awarded in 2019. Ofsted now says the Sutton Community Academy is a "much-improved school that sits proudly at the heart of its local community".
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Patrick Butterell, the principal at Sutton Community Academy, has been in his post since January 2021. Inspectors said school leaders’ "relentless determination to improve the school has paid off", adding: "Pupils and parents and carers are optimistic about the positive changes that have taken place.
"Pupils appreciate learning in an environment where everyone wants them to do well. One pupil spoke for many when saying that the school is ‘way better than it used to be’".
Many parents also commented positively about how the provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND) has improved, Ofsted adds, but there were some improvements yet to be made. These include some pupils not attending school "regularly enough", inspectors say, "particularly disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND."
The school is part of the Academy Transformation Trust. It caters for more than 600 pupils.
Speaking of the most recent inspection Mr Butterell said: "I am delighted with the outcome of our recent inspection. The report recognises the hard work and tenacity of our staff and students and the support of our families and the local community."
