Cheslyn Hay Academy Celebrates 'Good' Ofsted Rating

24th November 2022

Staff and students at Cheslyn Hay Academy in South Staffordshire are celebrating Ofsted success this week following  a recent inspection at the school (18th -19th October 2022).

The school, which received a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating at its last inspection in 2018, has achieved ‘Good’ in all areas following a four-year transformational journey. Inspectors praised school leaders for their strong focus on academic and social development and their high expectations of students’ behaviour. 

The report commended staff for their commitment to developing students both academically and personally. It highlighted the wide range of subjects on offer and that ‘leaders have significantly strengthened the curriculum in Years 7 to 9’ to ‘prepare students more effectively for Year 10 and 11’. 

The impressive range of opportunities for young people to develop their interests and talents was praised, with the report noting that students ‘are proud of the school’s many sporting successes.’ Inspectors also remarked that students enjoy coming to school and have developed positive relationships with teaching staff, ensuring they feel safe.

This was the school’s first full inspection since joining Windsor Academy Trust in 2018.  

Headteacher, Tom Macdonald, said: “Our aim is to deliver the very best education for all of our students and I am incredibly proud that our school has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas. It is hugely rewarding to see Ofsted recognise both the hard work of our staff and the pride students have in our school.

“This success is down to a partnership between students, staff, parents and carers, and the ongoing support provided by Windsor Academy Trust. We look forward to continuing to work together to take our school from strength to strength.”

Dr Dan Owen, Director of Secondary at Windsor Academy Trust, commented: “Cheslyn Hay Academy has been recognised for the high quality education it offers, and rightly so. The school, which came into the trust requiring improvement, has thrived despite the additional challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our ethos of high expectation and excellence is now embedded in every aspect of school life. We will build on this success to continue to help raise the aspirations of our students and unlock their academic and personal potential.”

Dawn Haywood, CEO at Windsor Academy Trust, added: “This report recognises the hard work and dedication of staff and students at Cheslyn Hay Academy and reflects the collective strength of our family of schools. I am incredibly proud of the journey the school has been on since joining the trust and I know that staff and students at Cheslyn Hay will continue to shine brightly.”