A South Liverpool school has received its first positive rating from Ofsted more than a decade since opening its doors.
Since first welcoming pupils in September 2010, The Academy of St Nicholas on Horrocks Avenue, Garston, had not received a rating of ‘good’ from the national education inspectorate. In its two previous assessments, the school has received two judgments of 'requires improvement'.
However, following a two-day visit last month, the Academy is celebrating its first positive rating. The academy, part of the All Saints Multi Academy Trust, which is located on Horrocks Avenue, is led by headteacher Jeniffer Sing who joined during the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
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The Academy of St Nicholas took over the former Enterprise South Liverpool Academy site in 2017. In its findings, Ofsted said the change in senior leadership had contributed to an upturn in fortunes.
The report said: “Since the arrival of the new headteacher, leaders have transformed the curriculum.” Inspectors said senior staff had taken the school on a “journey of improvement” while recognising “they remain ambitious for it.”
Ofsted also praised the teaching staff. The inspectors said: “Teachers have secure subject knowledge and have high expectations of what pupils and students should achieve.”
The report by the education body referenced how leaders’ high expectations for behaviour are shared and understood by staff and pupils. It said the school has a “calm atmosphere” with pupils behaving well in lessons.
Jennifer Sing, headteacher, said: “We are completely over the moon by the outcome and a big thank you to staff, students, families, governors, trustees, and the local community who have been very supportive over the years. I am extremely proud of everything that we have been able to achieve, and together with All Saints Multi Academy Trust, we look forward to continuing the academy’s strong upward trajectory.
“Our students deserve the best quality of education and there are no limits to what they can achieve here.” In May last year, officers from the education inspector said staff were beginning to set the academy on the right track.
In a letter outlining their findings inspector Ahmed Marikar said leaders should continue to build on the work already started. In addition to new staff at St Nicholas, a new chief executive officer, chair of the local governing body and new chair of the trust board have been appointed.
Heather Duggan, chief executive of the All Saints Multi Academy Trust, said: “A huge well done to Mrs Sing and her dedicated team at The Academy of St Nicholas. This is a fantastic and richly deserved achievement by all.”
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