Following a two-day inspection of Tuxford Academy on 28 and 29 March 2023, Ofsted inspectors praised leaders’ high expectations for all students, including those in place for SEND students, and that the academy has implemented ‘an ambitious, well-planned curriculum for all subjects’. The report reaffirmed that teachers had ‘secure subject knowledge’ and that students enjoyed attending Tuxford Academy and felt safe at school.
Other areas highlighted in the report were high expectations around behaviour, a wide-ranging extra-curricular offer, support for reading, a strong careers service and a well-planned personal development programme, ensuring students were prepared for life ahead.
The report was particularly positive about Tuxford’s sixth form provision, citing students as being positive about their experience at school and feeling well supported by teachers. Inspectors concluded that ‘students in the sixth form achieve well’.
Tuxford Academy was previously inspected in 2012 under a different framework. Under the new framework, which has been widely reported in the media, schools face tougher and more challenging measures and now need to show that they are exceptional in every area to attain an ‘outstanding’ grade. Inspectors judged Tuxford Academy to be ‘good’ overall in its latest Ofsted report. Inspectors also rated the effectiveness of Tuxford Academy as ‘good’ in all areas – from the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and sixth form provision, through to our leadership and management.
Executive Principal, David Vernon, said: “I am incredibly proud of all our students and staff. We are an ambitious academy and unashamedly set ourselves high standards and high expectations, so that all of our students can strive to achieve their best. It was a pleasure to showcase the wide range of opportunities we have for our students to get involved in academy life and to see our strength in delivering a broad, well-planned curriculum recognised.
“I was equally pleased that the inspection team acknowledged a key strength in the academy’s leadership and management, noting that the ‘school is well led’, supported by governors who ‘know the school well’ and with ‘effective support’ from the Trust.”
Principal, Jon Hardy, added: “We have a fantastic academy community based on our ethos of teamwork. Our students enjoy attending and are supported by a strong, committed team of staff who ensure that our students are prepared for their next steps – whether that’s further or higher education or into employment.
“We will be reviewing any areas for improvement highlighted in the report and embedding these into our daily practices to ensure that Tuxford students in all year groups continue to receive excellence throughout their entire time with us.
“We look forward to seeing our academy continue to grow in strength, so that we can further enhance the delivery of an exceptional educational experience for all our students.”
Chief Executive Officer of Diverse Academies Trust, David Cotton, commented: “Tuxford Academy is a wonderful place of learning. Following Ofsted’s inspection under the new framework, in which schools are judged in different ways to previously, our students, parents and carers can all be assured that their school is one in which every student has the opportunity to thrive.
“As a Trust, we place significant value on providing a rounded educational experience for children and young people, so they are prepared with not only the relevant academic knowledge, but with an aspirational view of the future and the necessary skills for the world of work.
“I would like extend my thanks and gratitude for the hard work and determination of the whole team and, together, we are dedicated to the academy’s ongoing success.”
