BOSSES at a COLCHESTER school with a “vibrant community” and “caring ethos” are all smiles after achieving a positive rating in its first ever Ofsted report.
Paxman Academy, in Shrub End, Colchester, has been rated good by the education watchdogs following a two-day inspection last month.
The £14 million site opened at the former Alderman Blaxill School site in 2019, with this report from Ofsted being its first.
The four-person inspection team praised the school’s pupils, teachers, curriculum, safeguarding and more.
The report reads: “Pupils enjoy attending this school as there is so much to see and do.
“They chat happily about the many trips, visiting speakers and theatre companies, and clubs that are on offer.
“It is a vibrant community where many undertake leadership roles.”
It also said the school has a “caring ethos” and pupils follow an “ambitious curriculum”.
The inspectors also commented on how the curriculum has changed as the school has grown, despite it only being in operation for a few years.
“The school has an expanding vocational offer, and the broad curriculum also includes subjects that form the English Baccalaureate," they added.
The school was also praised for its support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and its “well-considered programme” for supporting pupils who are not yet fluent readers.
The report said: “The curriculum is well planned.
“Staff pay careful attention to what pupils know and can do. They make sure pupils’ learning builds on what they have learned before.
“Where pupils are hesitant in what they understand, teachers explain concepts clearly and in simple steps.
“This develops pupils’ confidence and motivates them to learn more.”
Executive headteacher Fiona Pierson was delighted with the result of the inspection.
She said: “I am incredibly proud the tireless hard work undertaken by everyone at Paxman Academy has been officially recognised and our wonderful students now have yet another reason to be proud of our learning community.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the inspection itself, especially staff, members of The Sigma Trust, Governors, parents and our students who shone during the inspection process and continue to impress us every day.
“This good rating is truly transformational for our Academy and I am delighted Paxman Academy’s journey of improvement, investment and growth has been recognised.”
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