Guilsborough Academy Recognised for Strong Leadership, Exceptional School Culture and Significant Improvements Across Key Areas

Guilsborough Academy is delighted to celebrate the outcome of its recent Ofsted inspection, which recognises the significant improvements made since the academy's previous inspection in 2023 and highlights the positive impact of the school's ambitious improvement journey.

The inspection report identifies ‘Strong Standards’ in Attendance and Behaviour, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing, while Curriculum and Teaching, Achievement and Post-16 Provision were judged to be meeting the ‘Expected Standard’. Safeguarding was also confirmed to be effective, with inspectors recognising the academy's open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer and feel safe.

The latest report demonstrates remarkable progress and acknowledges substantial improvements in all of the areas that were requiring improvement in the 2023 inspection.  Inspectors now describe behaviour across the academy as "calm, respectful and purposeful", noting that the school has a strong sense of family and that students conduct themselves extremely well both in lessons and around the site. They also recognised that suspensions have reduced significantly and that bullying is rare and dealt with quickly and effectively when it occurs.

The report further highlights the academy's highly effective approach to inclusion. Inspectors recognised the Academy's meticulous identification of student needs, the strength of its Outreach provision, tailored support for disadvantaged students and students with SEND, and the positive impact of targeted interventions that help their young people thrive both academically and personally.

A particular strength identified by inspectors was leadership. The report describes leadership at the academy as "strategic, ambitious and highly effective", recognising the rapid and sustained school improvement that has taken place. Inspectors noted strengthened curriculum provision, improved teaching, rising attendance, improved behaviour, enhanced pastoral care and a harmonious school culture characterised by a strong family ethos.  Of particular note was the observation that the improvements are “underpinned by a clear vision and uncompromising commitment to the highest standards”

The inspection also praises the Academy's personal development provision, which inspectors found to be deeply embedded throughout the school. Students were recognised for their understanding of diversity, equality and respectful relationships, while extensive enrichment opportunities, leadership roles and careers education were highlighted as helping young people prepare successfully for adulthood.

Perhaps most importantly, the report paints a highly positive picture of daily life at Guilsborough Academy. Inspectors found that students feel known, respected and supported, benefit from strong relationships with staff, take pride in their school community and experience a strong sense of belonging through what has become known as "The Guilsborough Way".

Mr Simon Frazer, Principal of Guilsborough Academy, said:

'We are incredibly proud of this inspection outcome and the significant progress recognised since our previous inspection. Most importantly, we are proud of our students, who continue to thrive academically, socially and personally, and who demonstrate the values and ambition that make Guilsborough such a special community.

This report reflects the dedication, commitment and teamwork of our entire staff body, trustees, parents and wider community. Together, we have worked relentlessly to create a safe, inclusive and aspirational environment where every young person can achieve their potential. While we are celebrating this achievement, we remain fully committed to our journey of continuous improvement and to providing an exceptional education and experience for every student who attends Guilsborough Academy.'

The academy would like to thank its students, staff, families and trustees for their invaluable contribution to this achievement and looks forward to building on this success in the years ahead. 

If parents/carers remain undecided in relation to the right school for their child(ren), and are looking for a learning environment where standards are high and expectations are even higher, please contact us.