TWOA receives good Ofsted rating as inspectors praise “highly ambitious” approach

  19 January, 2022

Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy (TWOA) has received a good rating by Ofsted following its latest inspection.

During the inspection, which took place on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 November, inspectors highlighted how pupils enjoy coming to the academy where there is a “can-do approach”, and staff are “highly ambitious” for pupils. The academy also received an ‘outstanding’ in the personal development category.

Alongside these highlights, inspectors outlined a number of other ways in which the academy is providing a strong education for its pupils. Notably:

• Pupils access a curriculum that supports all aspects of their learning and prepares them well as they move onto further study. It is well planned to meet the varied and complex needs of pupils who attend the academy, and pupils access a broad range of subjects in all year groups.
• The curriculum is underpinned by high-quality trips, visits and an extra-curricular programme, which is well adapted to ensure that pupils can access a full range of activities.
• Pupils also get lots of opportunities for physical development that matches their varied abilities, interests and needs.
• Leaders focus on pupils’ transition to adulthood throughout their time at the academy. This programme of support and guidance includes independent careers education and work experience or work-related learning opportunities, that is relevant to pupils’ interests, abilities, and aspirations.
• Pupils are well behaved and are very respectful of each other and their differences.

Since the academy’s previous full inspection in 2014 and the more recent short inspection in 2018, there has been various changes to the Ofsted framework, with the updated judgements and benchmarks now being more stringent and exacting. Meanwhile, the curriculum delivered in special schools has changed, with it being the responsibility of school leaders to provide what is right to meet the needs of pupils in their school.

This report is a testament to the hard work undertaken by staff, pupils and the wider community to ensure the academy, which is part of Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), is offering the best provision while creating a nurturing and caring environment.

Helen MacDougall, principal said: “We are proud of this Ofsted report, which we feel reflects the journey Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy is on to uphold and reach the highest possible standards.

“The inspectors saw an academy which prioritises education at the same time as providing excellent care. They recognised our proactive approach which means we are never rest on our laurels and instead we constantly review, reflect and adjust practice accordingly to best meet the needs of the pupils.

“We are very grateful to our families and the wider community at Thomas Wolsey, which are central to our success as an academy. We look forward to building on the findings of this report and continuing to improve our academy for our pupils.”

Jane Nolan, director of primary and SEND at OAT said: “We are very pleased to see the hard work and dedication of everyone at Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy being recognised by Ofsted. They have done an exceptional job in providing an environment where pupils can flourish and achieve their best, while enjoying their time at the academy and building strong relationships.

“I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for the academy and its pupils.”

Click here for the full Ofsted inspection report.

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Category: News

Tags: Good Ofsted rating 2022, Ofsted, Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy, TWOA