Thistley Hough Academy Celebrates Positive Ofsted Report as Inspectors Recognise Years of Improvement
Thistley Hough Academy has been recognised for significant improvement in its latest Ofsted inspection, with inspectors highlighting a school where students achieve well, feel a strong sense of belonging and are prepared for ambitious futures.
The inspection, which took place under Ofsted's new report card framework, found that the academy meets the Expected Standard in Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing. Inspectors also confirmed that all safeguarding standards are met.
The report highlights strong achievement across almost all subjects and notes particularly positive outcomes for disadvantaged students, who perform strongly in English and mathematics compared with their peers nationally.
Inspectors also recognised the academy's ambitious curriculum, which enables students to build knowledge securely over time, alongside effective support for literacy and numeracy.
The report highlights the inclusive culture that leaders have developed across the academy. Inspectors found that students are known well by staff, benefit from strong support and develop a genuine sense of belonging within the school community. Vulnerable students are particularly well supported through effective work with families and external agencies.
The academy's commitment to personal development was also recognised, with inspectors praising the extensive range of enrichment opportunities, leadership programmes and experiences that help prepare students for future education, employment and training. The report notes that students typically enjoy coming to school and value the positive relationships they have with staff.
While recognising the significant progress made by the academy, inspectors also identified areas for further development, including improving consistency in some aspects of teaching at Key Stage 3, reducing lateness and ensuring fewer students miss learning through suspension or internal exclusion. Leaders have already prioritised these areas within the school's improvement plans.
"This report reflects years of hard work from students, staff, families and the wider community," said Michelle Lawrence, Principal of Thistley Hough Academy.
We are proud that inspectors recognised not only the academic progress our students make, but also the culture we have built together, where young people feel known, supported and encouraged to succeed.
We have made significant progress and there is much to celebrate, but we remain ambitious for every student and committed to building on these strong foundations.
The inspection recognises the academy's continued development over recent years and describes Thistley Hough Academy as "a school that has improved significantly".
Nicole McCartney, Chief Executive Officer of Creative Education Trust, said:
"Congratulations to Michelle Lawrence, the leadership team, staff, students and families on this positive report.
The inspection recognises both the substantial progress made by the academy and the culture of ambition, inclusion and belonging that has been developed over many years.
We are proud of the journey Thistley Hough Academy has been on and look forward to supporting the school as it continues to build on these strong foundations for the benefit of the community it serves."