Ofsted: South Leeds Academy still “Inadequate”

The latest inspection of The South Leeds Academy by Ofsted has once again found the school to be ‘Inadequate’ in a report published on Monday (30 January 2017).

The report states that “Outcomes for pupils are too low. Pupils do not attain as well as they should.” However the school has not been placed in ‘Special Measures’ as inspectors recognised that senior leaders were now “addressing the school’s weaknesses with much-needed urgency”.

South Leeds Academy Principal Graham Moffatt, who has been in post since autumn 2016,  said:

“We accept the inspectors’ findings and know there is much work to be done. However, inspectors highlight the pace of change in recent months and staff and students have responded positively.“

“The inspectors see that we have the capacity to improve and that senior leaders are taking the necessary steps to address the issues raised in the report and that we have identified the key priorities moving forward. “

“We are grateful for the support we have received in the community and from our sponsor, also noted by inspectors. There is a tangible determination within the academy to improve and we are hopeful that this will be reflected in better exam results in the summer.”

South Leeds Academy is owned by the Delta Academies Trust which runs 45 schools across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Inspectors said South Leeds Academy’s principal, senior leaders, members of the Education Advisory Board and the Trust were addressing weaknesses with “much-needed urgency”. The Trust had a “well-informed and accurate view” of South Leeds said inspectors. The academy formally joined the Trust in September, 2015.

“Senior leaders are taking swift action to improve the quality of teaching,” the report highlights.

“Most pupils behave sensibly in lessons and around the school most of the time.

“Leaders in the sixth form have increased students’ focus on their studies. Teaching is effective and, as a result, most students make at least expected progress.

“Pupils are open, friendly and accept each other’s different backgrounds and beliefs.”

The report goes on: “Current leaders have rapidly and accurately identified what needs to be improved most urgently.

“They are setting about making rapid improvements with energy and drive, thus generating a sense of momentum among staff.

“They know that the school’s performance has been weak for too long.

“Senior leaders have established their vision for high-quality provision that supports pupils’ personal development, keeps them safe and promotes their achievement.

“They pursue rapid improvement with vigour and determination.

“They have successfully won over teaching staff, the vast majority of pupils and, increasingly, the local community in this shared endeavour.”

The vast majority of views from parents received by Ofsted were “very positive about the quality of education their children are now receiving.”

“Senior leaders have galvanized teachers to improve outcomes for pupils.”

The report goes on: “Leaders have taken urgent steps to improve progress in English and mathematics in Year 11 through, for example, focused and intensive interventions. As a result, pupils are catching up lost ground quickly.”

A revised curriculum had also provided a better balance of time of time to core subjects in Key Stage 4.

You can read the full report here: 135969__12-1