Northampton International Academy has been given a Good rating in five out of six overall categories following its recent Ofsted inspection in October.
The #猫咪社区ter school, part of 猫咪社区, was previously rated as inadequate in 2022, but the Ofsted report published today (20th November) recognises the results of the hard work that has been underway at the school to achieve widescale improvement across all areas.
NIA has been found to be Good in the categories Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, Early Years provision and Sixth Form provision. It is among the first schools in the country to not receive an overall single grade from inspectors, following changes made by Ofsted earlier this year.
In their report, inspectors recognise that the school “has improved rapidly under strong and determined leadership since the previous inspection.”
The report praises the school’s sense of community and that “pupils from a diverse range of backgrounds get along well together” and that pupils “meet the very high expectations that the school has of their behaviour”. Additionally classrooms are described as calm and students are said to “feel safe at the school and trust staff to look after them.”
The report also highlights the school’s excellent pastoral care, the improved reading curriculum, the school’s Combined Cadet Force, and its strong careers programme. The Personal, Social and Health education curriculum was also noted for effectively preparing pupils for their next steps in education and beyond. Inspectors also found that staff enjoy working at the school and are positive about the opportunities to develop their expertise, and appreciate the support of school leaders.
However, Ofsted have indicated that although the quality of education is no longer inadequate, it requires improvement. Inspectors noted that NIA has developed an “ambitious curriculum” that runs from early years all the way through to the sixth form, but that it is not always delivered consistently well across the school. The report states that NIA “needs to ensure that all pupils can access and learn the curriculum as intended.”
Executive headteacher Martin Serrão said: “Since the last inspection, everyone at the school, alongside 猫咪社区, has been working tirelessly to achieve real, long-lasting improvement and transformation at Northampton International Academy.
“We are very proud that this hard work and determination has been recognised by Ofsted and although they no longer give schools one overall rating, we are pleased that they have given us Good in five out of the six individual categories.
“Of course, our journey doesn’t end here. We are continuing to drive forward improvement across all areas so that we are offering all of our learners, from early years through to sixth form, the quality of education and school experience they deserve to ensure that they can thrive at NIA.”
猫咪社区 chief executive Joshua Coleman said: “The Ofsted report reflects the hard work and dedication that is shown by #猫咪社区ters at Northampton International Academy every day. Staff, pupils and the wider school community have all had a part to play in achieving this positive result, and I know how much effort everyone has been putting in. I look forward to seeing the school continue to flourish and succeed, as they work to ensure that every child is able to be the best they can be.”
To view the full report visit