STUDENTS have won high praise for being ‘wonderful ambassadors’ for their evolving academy.
St Michael’s Academy, Billingham, joined Carmel Education Trust in 2013 and has being undergoing a major transformation.
Ofsted inspectors recognised the progress, outlined areas that could be improved further but rated the behaviour of the 850 students as good.
The report stated: “Behaviour and safety are good. The very large majority of students are a credit to their families and wonderful ambassadors for the academy. There are sound procedures in place to keep them safe. Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted very effectively overall.”
Inspectors also recognised the issues St Michael’s had faced since becoming an academy and the systems being put in place to improve standards.
Inspectors highlighted the “dogged, effective and inclusive leadership of the head since his appointment” which was now starting to pay dividends.
“He has secured the support of the majority of students, staff and parents, who recognise he has the interests of the students at heart,” the report stated.
“The head teacher has provided some resolute and effective leadership of the academy during a time of transition and considerable turbulence, which has seen a 50 per cent turnover of staff since the academy opened.
“He has developed a shared ambition and optimism for the future among staff which in turn is creating an aspirational ethos and culture. So while remaining inconsistent overall, clear improvements are apparent in teaching quality, students’ achievements, curriculum provision and students’ personal development.”
Inspectors said Governors were ambitious for the academy’s future. “Their robust challenge and shaping of the actions senior leaders are taking is helping to improve the quality of education students receive,” they added.
Inspectors also recognised Carmel Education Trust’s support and challenge had been key in securing a number of emerging improvements.
Staff extolled the British and Catholic values of tolerance, justice, compassion, respect, the rule of law and democracy.
“This is helping to foster good relations, tackle discrimination and promote equality in the academy and the local community,” the report stated.
“There is an orderly, welcoming, inclusive and mutually supportive ethos which permeates this Catholic academy. This helps to ensure that students, including those deemed more vulnerable, feel safe, well supported and cared for by staff who they believe really care about their well-being.
“Students are courteous and take pride in their appearance. They are well prepared for lessons with the right equipment and good attitudes to learning. They usually behave impeccably in classrooms and at social times.”
Headteacher Andrew Ramsey said: “We feel the inspectors’ comments recognise our many strengths and the qualities of our students.
“Clearly the academy is continuing on a journey and we recognise that for every student in our care this is their main opportunity to access quality learning. With that constantly in our minds we are dedicated to ensuring that the academy improves further.”
