Ofsted says Grantham academy is good with outstanding features

Behaviour is ‘exemplary’, and students describe the academy as their ‘oasis of trust and calm’.

West Grantham C of E Secondary Academy’s recent Ofsted inspection has found the academy
to be Good with Outstanding features.

The inspectors said the school’s safeguarding is effective and that “Devoted staff work
relentlessly to ensure that pupils are safe, in school and ready to learn. Pupils appreciate the
care and love that they receive from staff. They describe the school as their ‘oasis of trust and
calm’.

The report says that the school provides ‘outstanding pastoral care’ and has ‘high expectations
of pupils’ behaviour and conduct’, and that, ‘Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They are respectful, polite and considerate of others. They are an absolute credit to the school and to the
community.’

Clare Barber is Principal at the school and said, “I am incredibly proud of everything that this
school has achieved, and we are delighted to be celebrating our Ofsted judgement with our
pupils, parents and the wider community. 

“This school cares deeply for those that it serves, and we could not be more pleased that this
has been recognised by Ofsted. We are delighted that the inspection team recognised our
school ‘serves its pupils with expert care, love and kindness.’”

Inspectors say that West Grantham C of E Secondary Academy is ‘welcoming and truly
inclusive’ with ambition as a key school value, -ensuring that pupils achieve their potential.
The report praises the opportunities and experiences the school provides for pupils with
effective careers guidance and additional vocational experience with local businesses.

One pupil told inspectors, ‘I am so grateful to be part of West Grantham – it’s a school in a
million.’

West Grantham C of E Secondary Academy is part of the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham
Multi-Academy Trust (SNMAT), and CEO, Chris Moodie, said the report’s praise is
thoroughly deserved. “It has been a real privilege seeing the rapid improvement that Clare and
all of her team have overseen. The community can be proud of the high-quality education that
West Grantham Secondary is delivering to its young people.”

The school’s curriculum is described as ‘deliberately planned’ for the success of its pupils,
stating, ‘Pupils learn in a pristine environment that they value and respect. Their work and
considerable achievements are rightly celebrated and displayed. The school is exceptionally
ambitious for pupils with SEND.’

The report states that reading is promoted and celebrated at the school and that ‘Pupils have
many opportunities to read a range of authors and genres that encourage their imagination and
develop their ability to engage in well-informed discussion and debate.’

The inspection team found that ‘Pupils and their families receive respectful care, guidance and
support. It is humbling to see the lengths that the school will go to in order that pupils are in
school, engaged in learning and safe.’

Even the academy’s lunchtime menu is singled out for acclaim, prepared by a skilful Chef-led
team, saying, ‘pupils appreciate that the food on offer during the school day is thoughtfully
planned, skilfully prepared, nutritious and of excellent quality.’

The report ends with a glowing description of the welcoming and supportive nature of West
Grantham C of E Secondary Academy: ‘The school is described as a ‘family’ by both staff and
pupils. Staff are extremely proud to work at the school. They feel well led and supported. West
Grantham Church of England Secondary Academy is a good school. It serves its pupils with
expert care, love and kindness.’