Ofsted praises 'rapid improvement' at Oxford Academy (From Oxford Mail)

Ofsted praises 'rapid improvement' at Oxford Academy

The Oxford Academy is “rapidly improving” and will keep on getting better, a new report says.

Mike Reading

Ofsted inspectors praised the academy, in Littlemore, for this year’s record GCSE results and said they were evidence of increasing standards.

Overall, the academy, which replaced Peers School in 2008, was rated ‘satisfactory’ with good capacity for sustained improvement.

Mike Reading, principal of the 804-pupil school, said: “We are delighted to see that the groundwork we have been embedding for the past two years really is starting to reap results.

“Ofsted recognises the enormous turnaround and improvements that have been made – this is testament to the dedication of all our staff, the enthusiasm and hard work of our students and the tremendous support of their families.

“Together, our academy community is going from strength to strength and, as we look forward to moving into our outstanding new facilities, we do so with a great sense of excitement about the achievements still to come and the potential yet to be realised.”

The number of pupils gaining five A*-C grades at GCSE, including English and maths, rose from 25 per cent in 2005, to 32 per cent this year.

More than 60 per cent attained five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C The academy, in Sandy Lane West, was established partly in response to poor results at its predecessor, Peers School, which saw just 17 per cent of GCSE pupils achieving the benchmark of at least five A*-C grades including English and maths, in 2008. However, when the idea was first discussed, the Oxford Anti-Academy Alliance, was formed to fight the plans.

The school now specialises in maths, ICT and sport, and is sponsored by the Diocese of Oxford, Brookes University and the Beecroft Trust.

In their report, inspectors said: “The Oxford Academy is providing a satisfactory standard of education. It is improving rapidly.

“The principal provides clear educational direction for the academy.

“He has steered it successfully through a period of turbulence with many staff changes and has united the staff in his drive to promote improvement and raise attainment.”

Chairman of governors Leslie Stephen said: “I am delighted that this report recognises the many positive changes that are happening at the academy.

“Improving the life chances of the young people underpins our work and that of the academy, and we are pleased that, together, we are making good progress.”