Noel-Baker Academy recognised for rapid improvement journey in latest Ofsted inspection

Noel-Baker Academy, part of L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, has been recognised for the significant progress it is making under new leadership, with Ofsted praising its inclusive culture, strong pastoral care and clear trajectory of improvement.

The school was inspected in June under Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework, receiving the ‘Expected Standard’ in Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing, alongside ‘Needs Attention’ in Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, and Curriculum and Teaching.

Inspectors recognised that leadership changes have “reshaped the direction and pace of improvement across the school”, adding that leaders have acted quickly to strengthen expectations, systems and the quality of education.

The report highlights that staff have “created an inclusive culture” where students are well known as individuals and barriers to learning are identified and addressed quickly.

Other key highlights from the report include:

• Students are “warmly welcomed” each day and experience a school that is “a calm and orderly place”. Students understand the school’s expectations and relationships with staff are respectful.
• Pastoral care is “a significant strength”, noting that students trust staff and benefit from tailored support that helps them through key stages of their education.
• Attendance work is improving, with staff who “leave no stone unturned” in working alongside families.
• Students benefit from a “broad and comprehensive” personal development programme, with enrichment clubs, educational visits, leadership opportunities and careers education helping prepare them well for their next steps.
• Governors and the Trust provide strong support and challenge, while staff value the professional development and wellbeing support they receive.

The report also recognises that further work is needed to improve student’ achievement, strengthen teaching consistently across subjects and continue improving attendance. Ofsted found that leaders have already identified these as priorities and that “leaders’ decisive actions and strengthened capacity are driving improvement at pace.”

Noel-Baker Academy has a clear improvement plan in place which is already delivering positive change.  The school remains focused on improving attendance, further strengthening teaching and continuing to raise achievement for all students.