Ofsted Information Portal

Ormiston Chadwick Academy in Widnes has been praised by Ofsted for the high expectations it sets for students’ learning, as part of its latest Ofsted report which rated the academy ‘Good’ in all areas.

Inspectors commended the academy, part of Ormiston Academies Trust, for its “broad and ambitious curriculum” which supports students to achieve well. The report also highlighted the academy’s “friendly and caring community” stating that it was a place where “students are happy”, and where “strong pastoral support underpins students’ positive attitudes to education.”

The inspection report is full of highlights, including that:

  • The academy supports students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to broaden their interests and experiences. This is achieved through a broad and ambitious curriculum and the high expectations set for students’ learning.
  • Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their needs identified effectively. The curriculum is adapted well to ensure students with SEND succeed in their learning.
  • Inspectors also highlighted the academy’s strong focus on developing students’ vocabulary and their enjoyment of reading.
  • Staff feel well supported by the Trust, including accessing opportunities to collaborate with each other.
  • Students also enjoy a wide range of extra curricular opportunities and varied sports clubs.
  • Students enjoy a well-designed programme that promotes personal development. They also value the positions of responsibility they are afforded.
  • Differences are well celebrated at the academy creating a respectful environment.

To read the full report, please click here

To support the academy to further improve and enhance the education delivered, it has committed to continuing to work with students and families to increase attendance rates. It will also further develop assessment strategies to address any knowledge gaps and to enable students to build greater depth of learning overtime, supported by the high expectations of the recently revised curriculum.

Jennifer Lowry-Johnson, Principal at Ormiston Chadwick Academy, said:

“I am delighted to see Ofsted has highlighted many areas where our academy is working hard to raise the aspirations of our students and equip them with the skills to succeed.

“Our staff are fully committed to delivering the best outcomes for our students. I would like to thank them for their ongoing support and hard work.

“A part of this, we are clear on the areas where we can drive further improvements at the academy, and we are looking forward to working with our whole school community as we deliver on these ambitions.

Understanding a school inspection report

School inspection reports will have information such as:

  • how well inspectors think the school is doing and what it could do to make things even better
  • how well pupils are doing, both in their education and their overall well-being and personal development
  • what parents and carers think about the school
  • how up to date the school buildings are, including any boarding school living accommodation
  • how any problems or complaints are dealt with
  • how the school complies with rules and regulations.

The school inspection report often helps parents and carers decide if they want to send their child to the school. In particular it includes an overall score for how good a school is:

  • grade 1 (outstanding)
  • grade 2 (good)
  • grade 3 (requires improvement)
  • grade 4 (inadequate).

What is in the report and how long it is will depend on the type of inspection the school has received and if it is a maintained or independent school.

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