Ofsted inspectors have praised Beckmead Moundwood Academy for its transformation – highlighting the “significant improvements” made since it joined The Beckmead Trust.

Ofsted says in a report out today that Beckmead Moundwood Academy is now Good in all areas.

Just five years ago the school, then known as TBAP Aspire Academy, was placed in Special Measures by Ofsted. That report highlighted failings across the board, including in safeguarding, behaviour and attendance. A year later the school was transferred to The Beckmead Trust.

And today’s report, following the first inspection of the school since it joined Beckmead, shows how far Moundwood Academy has travelled. 

We're thrilled to see our efforts rewarded with pupils now benefitting from the “thoughtful, individualised care” provided by “well-trained staff” which means that they re-engage with their education. As a result, “all pupils move successfully on to their agreed destinations or reintegrate back into mainstream school”. 

The many highlights of today’s report include the following: 

• “The school, including the Trust, have made significant improvements to the school. Parents and carers recognise this.” 
• “The school is effective in increasing students’ readiness to learn. Students are supported well to re-engage with school and learning; they benefit from the thoughtful, individualised care offered.” 
• “The school has designed curriculum pathways that adapt to the different length of placements, students’ ability, needs and likely destinations.” 
• “Attendance and participation have increased, and students understand how the school expects them to behave.” 
• “Well-trained staff provide bespoke strategies to manage students’ feelings and emotions.” 
• “Leaders encourage students to pursue their aspirations, and all students move successfully on to their agreed destinations or reintegrate back into mainstream school.” 
• “Students and staff have strong relationships. The school builds these relationships through well-planned transitions into school and tailored pastoral support.” 
• “Leaders from (The Beckmead Trust) provide effective oversight and support.”

Download and read the full report.

Adrian Applewhite, Headteacher at Beckmead Moundwood Academy, said: 

“We are delighted with this fantastic report. It reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone at our school to deliver the best outcomes for the children and young people at Beckmead Moundwood Academy. 

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our brilliant staff, and to our supportive parents and carers. I am also very grateful for the backing and guidance we receive from our governors and from The Beckmead Trust. The school’s success is the result of a huge team effort with everyone playing their part.

"My colleagues and I remain committed to ensuring our students have educational experiences, and we will continue to build on this progress as we move forward on our upward trajectory."

Dr Jonty Clark OBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Beckmead Trust, said:  

“The school has been on a remarkable journey over the past four years since joining Beckmead and the staff, parents, pupils and governors really deserve today’s exceptional Ofsted report. 

“At The Beckmead Trust we provide children and young people with the tools to thrive in the modern world, including high-quality education, excellent care and support, and the best opportunity to achieve good qualifications so they can successfully progress to the next stages of their lives. Beckmead Moundwood Academy is a perfect example of what we do.”