Portslade Academy celebrates '˜good' Ofsted rating

Ofsted Inspectors visited the Academy in November and this week revealed the school had been rated ‘good’. It had previously been rated as requiring improvement.

The report said: “Pupils are well-motivated to learn and achieve. They work hard in lessons and collaborate well. They feel safe, happy and make good progress.”

Teaching and learning is rated as good with Ofsted describing that ‘the quality of teaching, learning & assessment has moved into a higher gear this year’.

“All pupils are making at least good progress and those who need to catch up are supported to do so.

“Pupils feel safe, are happy and make good progress. The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good. The behaviour of pupils is good. Inspectors saw nothing but sensible behaviour around the school’s buildings and grounds, with no litter or graffiti at all. Pupils are welcoming and polite to visitors and very proud to attend the school.”

Principal Katie Scott said, “We are incredibly proud of our students. We know how good they are but it is great that others can now recognise their academic achievements and the exemplary way in which our students conduct themselves.

“Relationships between staff, student and families at PACA are incredibly supportive. And our governors provide real support and challenge for our team. We are all committed to supporting our students so that they all have the life chances and choices they deserve.

“The importance of pupils having high aspirations and the confidence to achieve now permeates the academy’s culture, from the leaders to our youngest students.”

Chair of Governors Rosalind Turner said: “I am delighted that the ambition everyone involved with the Academy shares for every student was something that the Ofsted Inspectors commented on.

“I would like to congratulate Katie Scott, all of our staff and, of course, our wonderful students. And to recognise that this could not have been achieved without the support of parents, the community, our sponsors Aldridge Education and co-sponsors the Local Authority.

“We look forward to building on this success.”

Chris Tweedale, chief executive of Aldridge Education, added: “This is a really well deserved acknowledgement of the high standards the Academy is setting itself.

“With PACA joining our multi-academy trust in February it is in a great position to be recognised as Outstanding in future.”