Inspectors scrutinised records and documentation, observed lessons and met with pupils, staff and parents to get their views. 

The inspection is an independent assessment of the effectiveness of the Academy which includes:

• the quality of leadership and management.
• the behaviour and safety of pupils;
• the quality of teaching;
• the achievement of pupils; and
• the sixth form provision.

Inspectors concluded that leadership & management, behaviour & safety and the sixth form are ‘good’ and that the quality of teaching and achievement of pupils requires improvement. Overall this means that the GDFT has taken the Academy out of special measures in just five terms. 

The inspectors praised leaders at the Academy for their resilience and determination and also recognised that “governance from the sponsor Trust is contributing significantly to improvements at the academy through its high level of support and challenge for leaders”.

The positive impact of the Trust was also noted by older students who were at the school before it became an Academy and told inspectors that “the Academy is now a much better place to attend because of improved teaching and better students’ behaviour”.

Whilst there is still work to do, inspectors’ scrutiny of current students’ work across the Academy shows that students are making rapid gains across different subjects. In particular, the report highlights that “students’ achievement in English and mathematics has improved since the school became an academy”.

The report also celebrates the improvement in attendance that has significantly improved from when the school first become an Academy and that students are proud of their Academy.

In addition to evaluating academic performance, the inspectors noted that students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted well through a suitable curriculum and extra-curricular activities and clubs.

Parents will be interested to know that inspectors found that students’ behaviour in lessons and around the academy is good and that students say that they feel safe and well cared for.

Mr Scott Hudson, Principal, said: “I was pleased that the report shows that whilst students join our Academy with low attainment, a greater proportion are now making better than expected progress in English and Mathematics because of the much improved teaching they receive.

“The inspectors highlighted areas for further improvement, many of which we had already identified. I am confident that we have the drive and capacity to continue to move forward and make further progress.

“I wish to thank the pupils and staff who have worked tremendously hard and the families who have supported us since the establishment of the Kingswood Secondary Academy.”

Sir Barry Day, OBE, Chief Executive of the GDFT, said: “I would like to recognise the work that the Principal, Mr Hudson, and the Senior Leadership Team, have done to drive the improvements since we took over the school in September 2013. I am pleased Ofsted recognise that our Trust has provided the right level of support to help the Academy to improve. We will continue to provide the necessary support to move Kingswood to good and then outstanding".