Halewood Academy celebrates Good Ofsted rating

A Knowsley secondary school which was branded inadequate has been awarded a Good rating by Ofsted after transforming the school in to a “culture of aspiration”.

Halewood Academy in Halewood is celebrating after transforming its inadequate Ofsted rating to Good in just two years.

Inspectors highlighted the “culture of aspiration” at the school and said that improved teaching has transformed pupil’s attitudes to learning. It also said the support of the Wade Deacon Trust has been pivotal in the school’s successful journey.

Effectiveness of leadership and management; the quality of teaching, learning and assessment; support for pupil’s personal development; behaviour and welfare and the school’s 16-19 study programme were all judged as Good.

Principal Gary Evans, says: “I am absolutely delighted with this Ofsted report. It reflects two years of determination and effort from of the staff to ensure we improved the quality of teaching and learning in every classroom and raise standards across the school.

“I am proud to work for better outcomes for Knowsley students as a former Knowsley student myself. This Ofsted report means everything to the school and our community. As one parent said to us yesterday, ‘We have a school now that we can be very proud of!’”

Pamela Wright OBE, chief executive officer of The Wade Deacon Trust, says: “The Trust is delighted that Ofsted has judged Halewood Academy as a good school.

“Halewood Academy is now truly a good school on a journey to outstanding. We value the excellent relationship that we have with Knowsley Council and its school community.”

Paul Boyce, director of Children’s Services at Knowsley Council, adds: “The pace at which Halewood Academy has achieved this improvement is extremely impressive. Their partnership with Wade Deacon Trust, a much respected Multi-Academy Trust, has really paid dividends and the whole school community can be very proud of their achievements to date, and very optimistic for the future.”