Wodensborough Ormiston Academy (WOA) has been praised by Ofsted in its latest report for an “unremitting determination to move the school forward” on its positive trajectory, a vision reflected by staff, students and the wider school community.
The report commended the academy’s “refusal to let the pandemic slow [its] work in improving the education that pupils receive” and noted that leaders have focused on the key areas for improvement, have high expectations of their students and celebrate their successes. This vision is shared by its local governing body and the academy’s sponsor, Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), both of which are similarly ambitious for its students.
The inspection was conducted remotely, and Ofsted spoke to many staff and students, as well as gathering responses from parents. Inspectors looked into the action the academy had taken to provide education to all students, taking into account the remote learning provision.
As a result of their inspection, which confirmed that WOA had taken effective action to deliver the expected standard of education, Ofsted concluded that:
Over the past year, students and staff as well as the wider community at Wodensborough Ormiston Academy have worked exceptionally hard to support each other and to be a nurturing environment during difficult times. Despite the challenges, students continued to engage with learning and improve their skills. Now they’re back in the classroom, everyone is keen to build on what they have learnt and have hit the ground running this term, as the academy continues on its clear journey of improvement.
“As we look towards the future, we’re more determined than ever to continue to build on the progress we’ve made so far, and I know I speak for everyone at WOA when I say we’re very excited about the positive opportunities that lie ahead for our academy, students, staff and wider school community. Our students are ambitious, determined and hard-working, and every one of them has the potential to go on to great things, so it is brilliant that our recognition of this has been noted by Ofsted.”
Leigh Moore, Principal