We are delighted to share with you the letter we received from Ofsted, following our inspection on the 23rd and 24th May 2023. This inspection re-affirms that we remain a good school in all areas and that Arnold Academy has developed further since the last inspection in 2017. 

Some of the highlights include statements such as: 

 

• 'Pupils enjoy attending Arnold Academy. They have many opportunities to develop their character and confidence.'
• 'Pupils feel safe and know how to report concerns. They have a positive attitude to their learning. They behave well in lessons and are respectful to adults.
• 'The newly formed leadership team is highly ambitious for the school, and is beginning to make significant strides in improving the curriculum and leadership of the school.'
• 'Leaders have put in place an ambitious curriculum with a focus on building pupils’ knowledge over time. At the start of lessons across both key stages 2 and 3, teachers set pupils tasks that revisit previous learning. This help pupils remember what they need to give them the knowledge and confidence to move on to new learning. Teachers have secure subject knowledge and usually use this skilfully to explain concepts clearly.'
• 'Reading is increasingly prioritised. Weaker readers are identified. They are provided with support and texts matched to their ability to be able to practise their reading. These help them become more fluent and accurate readers, ensuring that they catch up with their peers. Much time is provided within the school week for pupils to read a range of texts. The school has invested in a new library and has recently been visited by a famous author. This is increasing pupils’ enthusiasm for reading.'
• 'Leaders have high expectations of pupils with SEND. Staff accurately identify their needs well and, where required, they adjust their teaching for pupils to be able to access the same curriculum as others. As a result, pupils take part in lessons and achieve well. Pupils in the Chiltern specialist resource base are provided with expert specialist support.'
• 'Leaders have high expectations of behaviour. There is very little misbehaviour in lessons and as a result, pupils can focus on their work.'
• 'Pupils follow a carefully planned, age-appropriate, personal, social and health education curriculum which prepares them for life in modern Britain. This revisits and build pupils’ knowledge over time. Pupils learn about topics such as drugs and alcohol and changes in their bodies. They also learn about careers and personal finance. This prepares pupils well for the next stages of their lives.'

The Ofsted Inspectors praised our safeguarding procedures:

• 'Leaders work closely and tenaciously with local services to provide support for pupils and families who need it. Governors and the trust carry out regular checks on safeguarding in school.'
• 'Pupils know what to do if they have any concerns. They learn about topics such as online safety, healthy relationships and consent. They know how to keep themselves safe in and out of school, and online.'

This excellent outcome is down to the hard work and dedication of pupils, parents, governors and staff, and we are very grateful for the continued support we receive from the whole Arnold community. 

Click here for our latest Ofsted report.

Click here to view our Performance Tables.