Ofsted
Full inspection March 2013
St Matthew Academy has just undergone its three-yearly Ofsted Inspection and we're very pleased to report that the inspection team have rated us as GOOD school.
We received fantastic feedback from the inspectors. They found that the journey of improvement the academy has been on since it opened in 2007 is continuing - and even gaining pace. They noted that achievement has improved year on year, and progress is good for all groups across the school. They also saw that our pupils benefit from a wide range of inspirational experiences which help to promote good achievement; as a result of this, and of the strong commitment given by teachers and underpinned by our chaplains, their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.
We were very pleased that they recognised the massive improvements in behaviour of our pupils - who they called 'delightful' - and that their safety and well-being are strongly promoted. Leaders and managers, including governors, have taken decisive action to improve the quality of teaching, with some that is outstanding.
Here are some of the things they said:
- Progress is good across the school in reading, writing and mathematics
- Teaching is good ...some is outstanding
- Teachers have good subject knowledge and challenge pupils' at a fast pace
- Pupils' spiritual, moral and cultural development is outstanding
- Specialist teaching enriches learning
- Bullying is rare and dealt with effectively
- 'Teachers let my light shine'
- The new principal provides inspired leadership
You can read the report here.
Monitoring visit May 2011
Inspectors, who made a surprise visit in May, believe the school is making good progress on all fronts – in attainment, teaching, behaviour, tracking of student achievement and in its ability to improve even further.
They were particularly complimentary about the school's enterprise specialism which, they say, makes a positive contribution towards improving students' outcomes, and they benefit reatly from participating in enterprise activities which increase self-confidence and boost self-esteem. The focus on Enterprise for a week each term 'enables students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and encourages them to aim high'.
The inspectors were also impressed by the students, who they found 'delightful' and extremely supportive of their school. They found that 'students' behaviour is consistently good' and that staff are committed to making sure the school continues to improve. An increasing proportion of good teaching is improving students' literacy skills.
Full inspection February 2010
Inspectors who visited the Academy in February 2010 found that, “St Matthew has improved rapidly in the two and a half years since it opened, with its work as a specialist Enterprise & Business college underpinning many improvements and raising students’ aspirations.”
Students feel cared for
During their visit Ofsted inspectors observed classes, spoke to staff and met with parents and students. Students of all ages voiced how they feel safe and well cared for by the Academy. The feedback they received highlighted how well St Matthew caters for the whole school, ensuring a secure and united community.
Extra activities
Ofsted noted the focus on social enterprise and how dedicated extra-curricular activities provided by St Matthew has stimulated and motivated the children's overall learning and academic interest. These extensive opportunities for enrichment and creative development are well promoted in the school and allow students to explore their personal skills and talents. Monica Cross, Principal of St Matthew explains: “It is crucial that students develop personal and social skills as well as academic knowledge to prepare them for the future workplace.”
Strong leaders and excellent teachers
Senior leaders were praised in the report for providing a considerable drive for the Academy’s future development. Teachers were commended on their approach to supporting students and for applying a “behaviour for learning” policy to focus concentration in lessons.
Forward development
St Matthew is constantly looking to the future as a recognised 'Centre of Excellence and Inspiration' in Enterprise. The Academy’s forward thinking, partnered with its fantastic facilities, means students from 3-16 are nurtured on an individual basis to fulfil their potential whether it be in athletics, the arts, academia or business- so that they can ‘let their light shine’.
A link to the Ofsted website can be found by clicking below.
http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/parent-view-results/survey/result/22762/current
The DfE Performance Tables can be found by clicking the link below.
http://www.education.gov.uk/cgi-bin/schools/performance/school.pl?urn=135264