Today we are celebrating a glowing report from school inspectors, Ofsted, who awarded our school the ‘strong standard’ in many areas. The report praised our excellent teaching and learning and reflects the consistently high standards across our school.
Following the two-day visit in March, inspectors described our school as ‘calm, ambitious and welcoming’ and noted that our pupils feel safe, known and valued by staff. The report also emphasised that pupils feel a strong sense of belonging, have positive relationships with staff and experience a culture ‘built on kindness and high expectations.’
The quality of our teaching and learning received particular praise, with inspectors noting that pupils enjoy their learning and take pride in their work. They highlighted that pupils benefit from clear and well-structured teaching methods, which help them to remember more over time. Teachers were commended for their subject knowledge and inspectors said that their teaching was ‘structured and purposeful’ underpinned by ‘thorough training’.
The report also recognised the strength of our careers education, describing it as ‘well established and impactful’ with students benefitting from plenty of opportunities for work experience, employer engagement and personalised guidance. The report states that pupils ‘leave the school with growing ambition and belief in what they can achieve’ and are ‘prepared for life beyond the classroom’.
Our 'high quality' pastoral care was highlighted as another strength with inspectors commenting that ‘staff know the pupils well, and pupils trust adults to help them’. The report states that our school ‘provides a safe and nurturing place where pupils grow academically, socially and emotionally’.
Speaking of her delight at the news, our Headteacher, Kate Morris, said:
“Biddick Academy continues to go from strength to strength, and these words are particularly meaningful for our staff, who work tirelessly to provide our children with the highest standard of education. I'd like to thank every member of staff who goes above and beyond every day, our students who continue to rise to meet our high expectations, and parents and carers who support us and their children to do their best.”
Dame Lesley Powell DBE, Chief Executive Officer of NELT, added:
“I am very pleased to read that inspectors have given Biddick Academy such high praise. This is fantastic news and reflects the collective efforts of staff, students, their families and the wider community. I look forward to seeing Biddick Academy build on this success going forward.”