Dear Parent/Carer,
Ofsted Inspection – 11th and 12th January 2023
I am writing to share details of the recent Ofsted inspection, which took place at Rudheath Senior Academy on 11th and 12th January 2023. We were delighted that the Ofsted team believe Rudheath Senior Academy continues to be a Good school. This is our first Ofsted inspection as part of the North West Academies Trust and the comments tell us that we are heading in the right direction on our journey to outstanding.
As the Headteacher, I was incredibly proud of all students and staff and it is wonderful to see the work that has gone in over the previous five years to providing such a strong and caring ethos. The staff, student and parent surveys showed the support for the school which was a real strength during this inspection.
The inspection team were impressed by what they saw, noting that our school is a ‘friendly and welcoming community’ and that ‘staff know the pupils well and ensure that they are well cared for.’ They commented on the ‘strong safeguarding culture’ which is a vital part of our work.
They commented that ‘pupils work hard and behave well in lessons’ and that ‘teachers help pupils to do their best.’ Inspectors also stated that our students ‘are respectful to school staff and get on well with one another.’
The report acknowledges all students, including those with additional needs, ‘benefit from an ambitious curriculum’ and that teachers not only have good subject knowledge, but also understand ‘where pupils are secure in their learning and where they might need more help.’
Ofsted reinforced our belief that students across all year groups receive a good quality of teaching and, as a result, ‘pupils acquire a wide range of knowledge.’ I was particularly delighted to read that ‘pupils are taught to respect one another and value diversity, pupils can be themselves.’ This reflects our Academy value of kindness.
I am very proud that Ofsted has recognised the strong relationships between staff and students and the extra mile staff go to support pupils’ health and well-being, as well as supporting them to make the right choices for their future education.
The journey as Rudheath Senior Academy began in 2018 when the school joined the North West Academies Trust and an extensive renovation programme started to improve the facilities and learning experience for our students. I truly believe this Ofsted report shows how much progress has been made during this time; both students and staff and you as the wider community of parents and carers, should be rightly proud of what we have achieved together.
Victoria Rigby, our Chair of Governors, in offering her congratulations, stated that:
“The governors are very proud of the dedication the team at Rudheath show every day to improve the lives of the pupils in the school and this Ofsted report is a fantastic acknowledgement of the impact of this hard work.”
I look forward to working with staff, students, parents, and governors to achieve the next steps in our journey. Many thanks for your continued support; as ever we will continue to work hard to take the school forwards onto the next stage of its journey.
Yours faithfully,
James Kerfoot
Headteacher
Rudheath Senior Academy