Academy praised after first Ofsted inspection (From Gazette Series)

Winterbourne International Academy praised after first Ofsted inspection

9:10am Sunday 17th July 2011 in News By Alexandra Womack

WINTERBOURNE International Academy has been judged as good in its first Ofsted inspection since becoming an academy.

Inspectors visited Winterbourne for two days at the end of June for a first monitoring inspection in connection with the academies initiative.

Teachers were praised for the quality of their lessons and pupils’ behaviour was noted as exemplary in the first government analysis since The Ridings’ High School closed and reopened as a federated academy with Yate International Academy (formerly King Edmund Community School) in September 2009.

Lead inspector Robert Pyner said: "The impact of the academy’s strategies and provision present a strong and improving picture.

"In 2010, the proportion of students achieving five higher GCSE grades including English and mathematics had improved compared with the last results of the predecessor school and was significantly higher than the national average."

He said the international focus of the academy and the vocational courses available to students at the Yate campus had provided more options for youngsters.

"The curriculum has developed well since the academy was established, with a clear focus on the international dimension and broadening provision to meet a wider range of abilities and interests," said Mr Pyner.

"The implementation of International Baccalaureate middle years programme has been effective."

He said the appointment of former Ridings deputy head Rob Evans as principal of the academy had provided continuity and strong leadership. The academy was praised for protecting and caring for students but was told to implement recommendations from a previous review for special educational needs and improve the quality and consistency of marking.

Mr Evans said: "After two years of the academy opening, this Ofsted report is a real vote of confidence and reflects very well on the high levels of achievement within the academy.

"The verdict of the inspection team is consistent with the academy’s own self-evaluation judgements and provides the academy with a strong foundation upon which to make improvements for the future."