Ofsted inspectors praise Ninestiles, an academy, for creating active and caring citizens

A section 8 Ofsted inspection is an ungraded inspection that confirms whether a school has maintained its good or outstanding status and that safeguarding is still effective. At its last full inspection the school was deemed to be Good and at their recent visit inspectors concluded that Ninestiles has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified previously.

Inspectors praised teachers at the school for their expert subject knowledge which enables them to deliver the broad and ambitious curriculum with precision. They commented that behaviour in the school is calm and purposeful and that learners at the school follow clear routines and respect its high standards.

In their report, inspectors also recognised that learners at the school, including those in the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND, are increasingly well prepared for their next stage of education, employment or training.

Inspectors additionally noted that:

Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), follow a clear and well-designed curriculum.

The school has high expectations of pupils’ achievement, which most pupils meet. For instance, an increasing number of pupils enjoyed GCSE successes last summer.

Pupils enjoy a range of extra-curricular activities. These include mindfulness, Japanese and archery. These opportunities broaden their horizons and help build character.

Alex Hughes, Headteacher at Ninestiles, an Academy said:

“I am delighted that Ofsted have concluded that Ninestiles, an Academy, has taken effective action to continue to deliver a good standard of education and that young people are happy to learn here. It’s brilliant to get the feedback that our supportive approach helps our learners to feel safe and that we are motivating them to be active and caring citizens.

“I am so proud of all of our staff members and learners, as it’s their enthusiasm and dedication which has led to this positive report. I am pleased that inspectors concluded that we are preparing young people for life in modern Britain and that we are teaching them the skills of self-management and teamwork.”

Vince Green, CEO of Summit Learning Trust, said:

“I am pleased that inspectors recognised the hard work and commitment that has been put in by everyone at Ninestiles, an Academy and across our Summit Learning Trust family in providing high levels of education provision and care for our children and young people.

"This inspection validates what we already knew: Ninestiles, an Academy have been giving our learners great life chances for some time, and I thank all colleagues, our families and our community for working so hard for the children we serve.”