Stockton school could be judged 'outstanding' at next inspection

Ofsted inspectors visited The Grangefield Academy in Stockton, part of The Northern Education Trust, in December last year.

The academy is currently judged as ‘good', but inspectors said the rating could be increased if they were to carry out a Section 5 inspection now.

This was the first routine inspection the school received since the pandemic began. Inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with school leaders and took that into account in their evaluation.

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They met with a wide range of senior leaders, including the special educational needs coordinator.

The school has 942 pupils and the school uses two registered alternative providers for a small number of pupils. These are LA Endeavour Unit and Ace, based in Dyke House.

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Inspectors said: “The Trust motto of ‘outcomes focused, child centred and students’ wellbeing’ is definitely at the heart of this school. 

"Leaders have high expectations of what students can achieve and students rise to meet these. Students explained that staff care about them and want to do well. Strong relationships between staff and students are obvious.”  

The academy’s focus on reading was of particular interest to inspectors, who felt it was a considerable strength of the school, noting that staff reinforced the importance of reading through all aspects of school life. 

Inspectors also noted how well students are prepared for life beyond school, with the ‘life’ lessons being given the same status as other curriculum subjects, ensuring students learn important messages around tolerance, respect and diversity.

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Principal Kate Wright said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Ofsted report has recognised the tremendous improvements at The Grangefield Academy. 

“The academy has increased significantly in student numbers since the last inspection, and staff have worked extremely hard to ensure all students are well supported and achieve excellent outcomes.

“The Trust’s school improvement model has enabled the academy to grow and flourish, and my thanks go to the senior leaders, Trustees and governors, and staff for their commitment and support. 

“My thanks also go, of course, to our wonderful students and their families.  Watching our young people make great progress through their time with us is an honour and makes me very proud to be a part of that development.”

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Chief Executive Rob Tarn added: “It is very rare for an Ofsted report to suggest that a school could be judged Outstanding at its next section 5 inspection, and I am thrilled that the inspectors were so impressed in their findings at The Grangefield Academy that they felt confident to say that. 

“This follows on from the recent inspection at the Trust’s other secondary academy in Stockton - North Shore Academy, which soared from Requires Improvement to Outstanding. 

“Along with the Executive Principal of both academies, Andrew Murphy, and the rest of the senior leadership team at The Grangefield Academy, we are determined that the improvements noted by Ofsted continue and are further built on, to ensure the Trust does its utmost to ensure the students of the Stockton area improve their life chances.”

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