A DARLINGTON secondary school has undergone a “significant change for the better” since its last Ofsted report, according to inspectors.

Longfield Academy has gone from being ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ across the board under the fresh leadership of an experienced headteacher and the support of a new educational trust.

The school is now rated ‘good’ for leadership and management, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development.

Angela Sweeten (below), who took over as Headteacher in April 2022 following a career spanning more than 30 years, said: “Longfield Academy has undergone a massive cultural transformation, and it’s been a collective effort by pupils, staff, governors and parents.

(Image: Chris Barron) “Seeing that change take place has been one of the highlights of my career because we now have a beautiful, warm, welcoming, happy school that the whole community can be proud of.”

The Ofsted report leads off by stating: “Longfield Academy has undergone significant change for the better. The culture is now one where pupils are happy, kind and friendly.”

The report adds: “Staff and pupils report how much better behaviour now is and this can be seen in the orderly, calm, school environment.

“Pupils’ interactions with adults and other pupils are respectful. Pupils have benefited from raised expectations of what they can achieve.”

The report also highlights a “carefully planned programme of enrichment experiences” including overseas visits, and art and sports clubs.

(Image: Chris Barron) The Ofsted inspectors also praise a careers programme which “helps pupils make well-informed decisions about their next steps in education or training”.

Mrs Sweeten, who has specialised in school transformations during her career, said embedding a new behaviour policy, focusing on the positives around the school, was at the heart of the cultural change.

“We call it the ‘Choices Policy’ because it gives pupils a clear understanding that they are accountable for their own behaviour, and the result is well-rounded young citizens taking far more responsibility for their actions,” she explained.

Year 11 pupil, Owen Morris, a member of the School Council, said: “There is a much more positive culture in the school, with greater focus on individual strengths and creativity. It just feels like everyone is pulling in the same direction now.”

Year 10 pupil, Silvana Balestrieri, said she was proud of the school’s community involvement, saying: “There’s a big focus on helping local charities and that shows we care.”

Longfield Academy is now part of the Northern Arch Learning Partnership, and Mrs Sweeten stressed that the support of Chief Executive, Tim Fisher, had been “a crucial factor”.

Mrs Sweeten also praised the school’s staff, saying: “Every member of staff – canteen and site staff, teachers, administration and pastoral staff – are dedicated to doing the best for our children. We are team and as a team have achieved a shared success.”

Mr Fisher added: “This is a tremendous outcome for the academy, its staff and pupils. They thoroughly deserve their hard work to be recognised.”