Doncaster school celebrates being rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted after a glowing report

The Sir Thomas Wharton Academy in New Edlington has been commended by inspectors following a full section five inspection by Ofsted.

The school, which was judged as inadequate in 2015, has now been judged as good in all areas, with reference made to the “polite pupils” who are ‘“proud of their school.”

Yvonne Bootman, principal, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection and the positive comments received about the academy and our young people.

“We are grateful to the academy staff, parents and pupils for their continuing efforts and support.

“It is an extremely well deserved outcome.

“This now provides a great platform on which to further improve and make Sir Thomas Wharton Academy an outstanding educational provision.”

In a report Ofsted described the atmosphere of the school as “calm and respectful,” where a “strong focus on fostering pupils’ character gives the school a distinctive feel.”

Comments about the quality of education reported that the “curriculum planning is detailed and well sequenced” and that “teachers have good subject knowledge and teach ideas and concepts that challenge pupils to think deeply.”

Where leadership and aspirations are concerned, the report states that “what is best for the pupil is at the heart of their thinking at all times,” and that “leaders and governors are determined to raise aspirations, improve academic achievement, and develop pupils' character.”It then goes on to recognise the pupils of the school as “polite and helpful, and excellent ambassadors for their school.”

Sir Thomas Wharton Academy joined the Maltby Learning Trust in April 2017, which allows them to work collaboratively with other secondary schools in the trust and share good practise to continually drive improvement.

David Sutton, CEO of Maltby Learning Trust, said: “This is a fantastic result for everyone connected with Sir Thomas Wharton Academy.

“It is particularly pleasing to see that the efforts of staff and pupils has been recognised and we look forward to building on this success in the year ahead.

“The academy continues to provide a high quality learning experience for all children and young people and the local community certainly have a school to be very proud of.”

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