Liverpool school praised by Ofsted

The Academy of St Nicholas in Garston has been praised by Ofsted as it continues its journey of improvement. 

In March, Ofsted visited the academy as part of a monitoring inspection and has now published its findings. 

These findings recognised the hard work of the senior leadership team, teaching staff and support staff. 

Her Majesty’s Inspector, Mr Ahmed Marikar, spoke highly about headteacher of St Nicholas, Mrs Jeniffer Sing, who joined The Academy of St Nicholas as the pandemic hit in 2020. 

Mr Marikar said: “Since your arrival as headteacher, you have worked with leaders and staff to improve many aspects of the school.  

“You have redesigned the leadership structure so that all leaders have clear lines of responsibility.  

“The school development plan identifies the correct improvement priorities. This plan is frequently reviewed by you and other senior leaders to check that actions to improve the school are bearing fruit. 

“As a result, the school is moving in a positive direction.” 

The inspector also added: “You have raised expectations of what all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), can achieve. 

“You have redesigned the curriculum structure so that it is more ambitious than it was previously, and there is a more appropriate balance of academic and vocational options for pupils to study.” 

Ofsted recognised the academy has prioritised reading and how pupils speak positively about the opportunities they have to read for pleasure. 

Mrs Sing said: “We are absolutely delighted with Ofsted’s feedback following the monitoring inspection.  

“We are pleased that they have recognised so many of the areas where we have spent time improving. 

“I am very proud of the team we have here, and I can’t thank everyone enough for their hard work and dedication. We are moving in the right direction and fulfilling our mission to ensure students flourish and thrive throughout and beyond school life.”  

Ofsted also reported that student attendance has improved and stated how children, who have recently arrived from other countries, have been welcomed and supported. 

The Academy of St Nicholas is proud to be part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust.  

Ofsted acknowledged how “the school derives considerable benefit from its partnership with the trust. This includes improved support for pupils with SEND and stronger systems to improve attendance. Expertise within the trust is used well to help subject leaders to develop their knowledge and skills.”