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Ofsted

The Academy

Here are some of the quotes that came from the report

“This is an exceptional academy, which has maintained and built upon the very high standards seen at the last inspection.”

“The behaviour of students in lessons and around the academy is impeccable. They are keen, lively, questioning and enthusiatic learner who greatly enjoy and appreciate all the academy has to offer.”

“All groups of students make rapid progress, irrespective of their background or ability level.”

“The sixth form is outstanding and displays similar high qualities to the rest of the academy.”

The inspection took place on 13 – 14 March 2013 and the report, published later that month, contained the following judgements:
Overall effectiveness: how good is the school?Outstanding
Achievement of pupilsOutstanding
Quality of teachingOutstanding
Behaviour and safety of pupilsOutstanding
Leadership and managementOutstanding

Quality Assurance Programme

Further to our Ofsted reports found here, we have a rigorous Quality Assurance programme which is led by our School Improvement Partner, Peter Johnson.

Prior to Peter, our SIP was Mick Waters. A former head teacher, Mick Waters works closely with teachers and leaders in schools, MATs and local authorities to support the development of teaching approaches and curriculum to ensure the best learning outcomes for children. For some years he was Director of Curriculum for England, based at the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA), and before that held the post of Chief Education Officer for the City of Manchester. He is also invited to work at a policy level with government in different parts of the world. 

"Each Senior Leader brings a carefully considered strategic approach to their job description and their contribution to the RAP. Professionalism abounds. The level of clarity that each brings to their responsibility is a strength."

"The phrase ‘high expectations’ could usefully be explored. It would be hard to imagine any adult at Shireland having less."

"The Academy’s use of additional funding for PP students is best summed up by the students themselves. When asked if they were achieving better than they thought they would when they first joined the Academy, all stated very firmly that they were doing better than they thought possible. As one student put it, “I doubted that the school could push me to achieve such a high target grade, but it has,” and in the words of another, “I didn’t think I could achieve but now I know I can.” When asked why they were achieving better than they thought all students agreed with one who said, “It’s the teachers, they care for us, they help us even in their own time because they care about our learning.”

"The Academy provides a rich curriculum which contributes successfully to the development of students’ cultural capital. In addition, a wide range of diverse, extra-curricular activities and events are provided to enrich students’ experiences."

"I had the pleasure of visiting Ƶ on 28 April 2023. As the Director and Lead Coach of the Raising Attainment with Wellbeing school improvement programme (now engaging with nearly 400 schools in England, across the Isle of Man, and internationally) I am always keen to conduct in-person visits to see for myself the impact of the programme and how it is supporting our ambition: to help schools create a culture and climate that enables every teacher and every student to thrive. But occasionally the playbook is thrown back at me. This was the case at Shireland! What an amazing day, what an amazing school community, what amazing leadership to get to this point, despite the turbulence in the education system over the past five years. I was genuinely moved during my visit. The biggest accolade I can possibly give is that the levels of deprivation that characterises communities like yours, and the baggage of disadvantage that weighs heavily on the families that you serve, is simply not visible in any way shape or form in the daily life of the school. The school cares. You care. And every learner knows this. You have been on a remarkable journey, and I want to celebrate and shout about it long and loud! I will crystalise my thinking, which could take many forms, such as a video, articles, using our press outlets... but only in full co-operation and with the full support of you and your school. I will be in touch. The first step however will be to celebrate your Wellbeing Pioneer School Status, using extracts from Ben's quote below. This is the first one going out on LinkedIn and Twitter on Monday.
Best wishes, and a profound thank you once again”.

"Ƶ strongly believes in working in partnership with parents. Parental engagement is a central principle of the school and leaders feel it is an integral part of the school Parents are extremely grateful to a school team who are very approachable and helpful. The views of parents have been ‘overwhelmingly’ positive. What an amazing day, what an amazing school community, what amazing leadership to get to this point, despite the turbulence in the education system over the past five years. I was genuinely moved during my visit. The biggest accolade I can possibly give is that the levels of deprivation that characterises communities like yours, and the baggage of disadvantage that weighs heavily on the families that you serve, is simply not visible in any way shape or form in the daily life of the school. The school cares. You care. And every learner knows this. You have been on a remarkable journey, and I want to celebrate and shout about it long and loud! I will crystalise my thinking, which could take many forms, such as a video, articles, using our press outlets... but only in full co-operation and with the full support of you and your school. I will be in touch. The first step however will be to celebrate your Wellbeing Pioneer School Status, using extracts from Ben's quote below. This is the first one going out on LinkedIn and Twitter on Monday.
Best wishes, and a profound thank you once again”.

"The curriculum for students’ personal development is planned meticulously. It meets statutory requirements; all strands are in place in a way which ensures progression of both experience and learning, as students move through the Academy. The content of the programme for each year group is designed well to promote students’ personal, social, health and economic development. Provision for students’ mental health and well-being is incorporated into the programme effectively. The PD curriculum and the Academy’s wider work provide effective support to the development of students’ character. Opportunities are there for students to develop confidence, resilience and independence."