New Forest Academy achieves clean sweep of 'Good' ratings

The 570-pupil Academy in Long Lane, Holbury, has achieved a "clean sweep" of ratings following its latest inspection by Ofsted, which praised its "inclusive and ambitious ethos".

The report says: "This is a small and friendly school with a vision to provide the best education for all pupils.

"Over the last few years, the school has established an inclusive and ambitious ethos. This can be seen particularly in its work on the curriculum and pupils’ behaviour.

New Forest Academy has been rated 'Good' in all areas following its latest Ofsted inspection (Image: Newsquest)

"The school has raised its ambitions for what pupils can achieve academically.

"It has refined its curriculum thinking, and this work is embedding well generally. As a result, pupils take a broader range of subjects, and in most areas, pupils produce work of an increasingly high standard.

"This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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"Staff share high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and consistently implement the school’s routines and systems. Pupils’ behaviour is excellent in lessons, and conduct in social time is orderly.

"Pupils are polite and respectful.

"Kindness is one of the school’s core values, and there were many examples of this during the inspection. Pupils feel safe and happy. They are proud to attend a kind school."

New Forest Academy has been rated 'Good' in all categories following its latest Ofsted inspection (Image: Newsquest)

Following the inspection the Academy has retained its overall rating of "Good".

Ofsted uses the same word to describe the quality of education at the Academy, the pupils' behaviour and attitude, their personal development, and the school's leadership and management.

Formerly Hardley School and Sixth Form, the Academy is part of the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET).

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Principal Rob Forder said: “New Forest Academy offers an exciting and ambitious curriculum, delivered by highly-trained, passionate subject specialists.

“Ofsted’s report reads as a true reflection of our wonderful school, and I'm delighted the hard work of our staff has been recognised through this inspection."

AET's regional education director, Karl Sampson, added: "I want to put on record my thanks to the wonderful staff at New Forest Academy and to Mr Forder and his leadership team."

Mr Sampson said the school's success was the result of a team effort.

He added: "Everyone is totally committed to building on this success so that New Forest Academy continues to go from strength to strength and is the school that the community deserves."

The inspection was carried out in September but the report has only just been published.