RIDGEWAY Academy in Astwood Bank has vowed to work on a series of improvements following an Ofsted inspection which judged it as ‘requiring improvement’.
The previous Inspection of Ridgeway Academy in Redditch in May 2013 had graded the school as Good; and the school’s successes continued as they went on to achieve the best Key Stage 2 SATS Data in the town.
Following the result of the latest inspection, which took place in May this year, the school have formally written to Ofsted to express their disappointments at the decision and to highlight what they feel are inconsistences in some of their findings.
Acting Chair of Governors, Jane Craig said: “We are bitterly disappointed with the inspection judgements.
“Whilst we know that progress in some areas has to improve – and we had previously put measures into place to bring that improvement about – the Governing Body feel there is much to celebrate about the school, which the report ignores.
“We have confidence in this leadership team to bring about the required improvement, as they have already proved in several areas since the inspection.”
Head Teacher, Mike Bennett added: “Our staff and students are proud to be part of Ridgeway Academy and are enthusiastic about being part of a vibrant, supportive and caring community.
“It is the academy’s fervent hope that the points made in our complaint will lead to a review and change in the judgement initially made. However – regardless of the outcomes or judgement – we will go forward, we will improve results, and we will continue to build strong positive futures for the young people of Ridgeway Academy.”
Among a number of criticisms the Ofsted inspectors said the standard of teaching was not consistently good enough, teachers of subjects other than English have not being trained well enough to teach reading and writing skills and that a minority of pupils do not behave well with some teachers do not dealing with this effectively.
The inspectors also found that too many pupils with Special Education Needs were excluded from school.
However they praised the school’s teaching in English, Mathematics, PE, Music and Geography.
They also said bullying was rare and that pupils felt safe in school, provision for the social and emotional wellbeing of pupils was good and that staff were well trained and vigilant in safeguarding matters.
To see the report in full, click here
