The staff, governors and pupils at Cramlington Learning Village have been praised by Ofsted which has rated the school “good” following an inspection earlier this month.
In reaching its findings, the seven-strong inspection team observed 59 lessons, had discussions with pupils, staff and governors and took into account a parents’ questionnaire.
As well as concluding that the overall effectiveness of the school – an academy which teaches 1983 pupils – was good, Ofsted said all the other aspects it scrutinised were also good. These were the effectiveness of leadership and management; the quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for pupils, and 16 to 19 study programmes.
The inspectors found that “all pupils, and particularly those who are vulnerable, receive a high-quality education that prepares them well for life in modern Britain.”
They also noted the positive comments from pupils about the extra effort they received from staff to help and encourage them both in lessons and extra-curricular activities: “They said that if they ever had a problem, it would be sorted out by staff.”
That level of support and care was also shown by staff working with the school’s older students. “They said that their teachers ‘go above and beyond’ to support and help them. This was clearly the case in the lessons seen during the inspection,” said the report.
The inspectors added: “Pupils are proud of and speak warmly of their school. They wear their uniforms smartly. There is no litter on the site. This pleasure and pride in their learning and school also shows itself in the quality of pupils’ work in their books and folders.
“Pupils are polite and self-assured, and talk enthusiastically about their learning and their life at school. They show high levels of consideration for others.”
Jeff McCartney, chair of governors at Cramlington Learning Village, said: “Ofsted through its forensic inspection has understood and validatedthe many qualities of life at our school.
“We would like to underline the report’s praise of all members of the teaching and support staff, for their incredible hard work and dedication.
“On behalf of the governors, the head teacher and her staff, I would also like to congratulate the pupils who continue to excel both as students and members of society. Their parents and carers can be very proud of them.”