Joy for Wayland Academy as they are rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted
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Wayland Academy alongside the Watton community are celebrating the news of the academy being awarded a rating of ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Previously rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2019, Wayland Academy has since joined the Inspiration Trust, going from strength-to-strength, improving its offer, its outcomes, and achieving one of the best Progress 8 scores in the country.
As a school that prides itself on high expectations that enables its students to have the courage they need to succeed, Wayland Academy was delighted to see that this was noted within the inspection, with Ofsted stating...
‘The culture of the school is defined by high expectations and underpinned by clear structures. From lining up at the end of lunch, to working quietly on ‘starter activities’, pupils know what to expect.’
Ofsted remarked on the knowledge-rich curriculum that Wayland Academy teaches, and the support offered to pupils to ensure that they are given every opportunity to achieve highly both academically and socially.
Ofsted says:
‘[Pupils] learn through well-established pedagogical teaching approaches. They benefit from the high levels of consistency in how staff behave and in what staff require from them.’
‘The positive relationship between school leaders and the trust has driven improvements across the school. Working closely together, they have devised and implemented approaches which help pupils to learn different subjects well over time. Teachers follow leaders’ plans, teaching subjects in a logical order and revisiting knowledge pupils need to learn to make sure it sticks in pupils’ memories. Teachers check what pupils have learned and adjust what they teach accordingly. Pupils learn well.’
Principal of Wayland Academy, Glen Allott said:
“We were extremely excited to welcome Ofsted to Wayland in July and to share with them the high expectations we have of our pupils, our clear and consistent routines, the improvements in our curriculum, attainment, and the broad range of activities we offer.
This September is my 10th year as Principal at Wayland and personally this is a wonderful way to mark that milestone. We are always proud of the pupils at Wayland and appreciative of the support families give us. Through this support and the incredible work of leaders, teachers, and support staff significant improvements have been made over that time and since our last inspection in 2019.
Our intention is to give the children of Watton and the surrounding villages the best possible education and improve their opportunities post-16, and this judgement is recognition of that work “
Ofsted also recognised the focus the academy places on reading – something of which is of high priority across all the Inspiration Trust, saying...
‘Reading is central to leaders’ thinking. They have put in place a range of approaches to help those who struggle to read. Pupils read regularly in school and teachers are trained in how to help pupils to read in their subjects. Pupils’ reading is successfully enhanced as a result.’
Wayland Academy was also praised for the wide range of opportunities it offers it students, whether it be clubs and activities or SEND support.
Ofsted says:
‘Pupils can join in with a broad and increasing range of activities outside lessons. There are multiple sports clubs and a recently re-introduced school production. More trips are available to pupils. Pupils can pursue their interests and experience new things.’
‘Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from the way in which the curriculum details and revisits the important knowledge they need to know. Their individual needs are identified and supported well. Leaders’ high standards and teachers’ consistent application of these help those who struggle to manage their own behaviour to apply themselves, access the same curriculum as others and successfully learn what leaders intend.’
CEO of Inspiration Trust, Gareth Stevens said:
“It has been wonderful to see the improvements that have been made at Wayland Academy over the last few years and I am delighted to see that these have been recognised and applauded by Ofsted. All the staff and students at Wayland should be extremely proud, as I am sure are the parents and the entire Watton community.’
