Nat shares this fantastic news from Ryde Academy. Ed
For a number of years the Academy has been considered to be ‘Requiring Improvement’ according to Ofsted.
However, the hard work of students and staff – with support from parents, Governors and the local community – has paid off and the Academy has now been rated as a ‘Good’ School.
Pupils’ attainment rising rapidly
The report highlights the ‘strong moral purpose and inspirational leadership of the Principal’ and that ‘pupils’ attainment and progress is rising rapidly’ and that ‘the progress of disadvantaged pupils had also improved rapidly’.
Following their two day visit in November Ofsted noted that ‘leaders successfully raised standards in GCSE examinations, in particular in English and mathematics’, the Academy was fully staffed with high quality specialist teachers and that students were well behaved and proud of their school.
Principal has ‘initiated rapid improvement’
Joy Ballard started her role as Principal in 2015 and has ‘initiated rapid improvement in all aspects of school life. It goes on to say that she ‘is an inspirational leader and pupils, staff and parents are unanimous in their appreciation and share her ambitious vision’.
She said,
“I am so very pleased with Ofsted’s observations of how quickly the Academy has improved and their judgement that we are a ‘Good’ school. Our staff and students really deserve this recognition, they have simply been amazing and every child deserves to go to a good school.
“Continuing to raise attainment and embedding the new systems we have in our 6th form are already our priorities for this year in our improvement planning and I am confident that we are well on our way to achieving the coveted Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ grade in the future.”
Lesley Holmes, Chair of Governors said,
“The Ofsted grading of “Good” for Ryde Academy is one that is well deserved by Joy Ballard, her senior leadership team, all staff, students and Governors.
“It’s also very important recognition for education standards on the Island, the Ryde community and especially parents who have chosen a local school that is determined to raise standards and educational attainment for their children and young people. Ryde Academy has a very bright future.
“The Ofsted report, along with the building of the new school, means that the Academy is well on the road to the success that everyone has worked for and that students and the community deserve. It looks like 2017 will continue to Shine Bright!”
