As the Headteacher of Gloucester Academy I am overjoyed to share with you the exceptional news of our recent Ofsted inspection. The Ofsted Report showcases the significant strides our school has made to ensure the success of all of our students. The Academy achieved a ‘Good’ rating in Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, and Leadership and Management, with an ‘Outstanding’ rating for Personal Development.

The inspection, which took place on 19th and 20th November 2024, praised Gloucester Academy’s ambitious vision, inclusive ethos, and the marked improvements in teaching, pupil outcomes, and overall culture.

The full report can be found here, with key highlights listed below:

High expectations and academic ambition. Ofsted commended Gloucester Academy’s high expectations of both pupil behaviour and academic achievement. The curriculum is “consistently delivered” and designed to build knowledge effectively over time. Inspectors noted the rising number of pupils pursuing the full suite of English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects.

Outstanding personal development. Staff value regular professional development opportunities and as a result, are confident to explain new concepts. GA undertakes exemplary work in fostering pupils’ character and resilience, highlighted through the school’s extensive enrichment programme, alongside its proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing. 

Pupils with SEND are accurately identified. Information is used effectively, and this enables all pupils to learn the curriculum well. Pupils with English as an additional language are exceptionally well supported and those who require further help with phonics and reading comprehension receive it. 

Positive behaviour and attitudes. Inspectors praised the school’s high expectations for behaviour, noting that the majority of students meet these standards, allowing learning to take place without disruption. This improvement reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a positive and respectful learning environment.

Phillipa Lewis, Headteacher of Gloucester Academy, says:   ‘We have been climbing a mountain, step by step, with ambition, excellence, and unwavering pride and I want to thank each member of our school community for being a part of this incredible journey.  To our students, who continue to inspire us, to our staff, whose passion for teaching enables great outcomes; to our families, who have supported us in the climb; and to the Greenshaw Learning Trust for their ongoing guidance - this success is shared by all of you.  While we celebrate this incredible achievement, we are also not stopping here.  We are looking ahead with excitement and ambition, knowing that the best is yet to come.’