Ofsted Report

Our last Ofsted inspection took place in April 2023 where Kingswood Academy was rated ‘good’ in all categories. For context schools that receive a ‘Good’ judgement in their previous Ofsted inspection, which Kingswood Academy did in February 2018, always receive an ungraded inspection at their next inspection. Normally this ungraded inspection takes place four years later however, due to Covid19 many inspections nationally, like Kingswood’s, have been delayed by approximately 5 terms.

There are three possible outcomes from an ungraded inspection and these are:

1. The school remains good with concerns and that the school could be judged less than good if Ofsted were to carry out a graded inspection now. In this case the school’s next inspection will be a graded inspection where the school is likely to be judged less than good in the future.

2. The school continues to be a good school. In this case the school’s next inspection will be another ungraded inspection in 4 years time.

3. The school continues to be a good school and there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if Ofsted were to carry out a graded inspection now. In this case the school’s next inspection will be a graded inspection where the school is likely to be judged outstanding.

For context the majority of inspections carried out nationally by Ofsted are ungraded inspections and 70% of these inspections receive outcome 2, in addition, only 5% of these inspections receive outcome 3. 

It is our pleasure to share with you that Kingswood Academy received outcome 3, the best possible outcome, in its most recent inspection. Confirming that:

‘Kingswood Academy continues to be a good school and there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if Ofsted were to carry out a graded inspection now. In this case the school’s next inspection will be a graded inspection where the school is likely to be judged outstanding.’

Inspectors commented: 

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Leaders’ unrelenting focus has established the high standards and inclusive culture which pupils benefit from. Consequently, pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They attend more regularly than their peers nationally and take advantage of a rich set of opportunities during their time at the school.’ 

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Leaders have established a culture of safeguarding at the school. Staff know that keeping pupils safe is everyone’s responsibility. They are knowledgeable about the risks that pupils face within this community. Safeguarding leaders address any concerns raised promptly. They make effective use of external agencies. For example, the school uses ‘professional listeners’ as part of their refined suite of support to help pupils remain mentally healthy.’

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Leaders have established an environment where all pupils are welcomed. Bullying is extremely rare. When it does occur, pupils have confidence in adults to resolve it effectively. Pupil leaders speak eloquently about their roles. Some describe how they support the small number of pupils who have been the victim of bullying, while others undertake sports leadership or prefect roles.’

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Over time, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve extremely well. Their achievements in external examinations are impressive. The individual needs of pupils with SEND are well known by leaders. Teachers receive detailed information about how to meet these pupils’ needs. This enables teachers to adapt their teaching appropriately so that pupils with SEND are well supported.’

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Pupils participate in well-structured activities at social times. At break, the majority of pupils play board games and/or take part in house quizzes. House captains use breaktimes as an opportunity to gather feedback about the school. They share pupils’ views with school leaders.’

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘The school’s careers programme is very well considered. The school prepares pupils extremely well for their next stage in education, employment or training. Pupils understand the variety of post-16 opportunities available to them. They are aspirational for their futures. Staff support pupils well to achieve their ambitions.’

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘At lunchtime or after school, many pupils enjoy playing sports or attending enrichment clubs. Pupils with talents in particular sports are well supported through the sports academy. These pupils receive additional help to excel in their area of expertise.’

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Pupils study a wide range of subjects. Subject leaders ensure that the curriculum is well established and of high quality. Teachers frequently and skilfully check that pupils have understood what has been taught before moving on to new learning. Pupils receive a high standard of education.’ 

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Pupils access a rich set of experiences which extend beyond their academic studies. Leaders use the personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum to address issues that pupils face in the community.’’

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Leaders have carefully chosen texts which expose pupils to challenging social issues. Teachers engage pupils in ethical discussions about these issues. For example, pupils in Year 8 discuss issues of race and divisions in society while reading ‘Piecing Me Together’. Struggling readers receive bespoke additional support which helps them to catch up with their peers.’

• Kingswood Academy Ofsted report quote: ‘Leaders at all levels, including governors and trustees, are aligned in their ambitious vision for the school. They provide staff with high-quality training and are considerate of their well-being. This training enables staff to implement these shared practices consistently well.’

This Ofsted report, along with our 2022 results, show that Kingswood Academy is now a truly great school. However, we will not be satisfied until Kingswood Academy secures the 'Outstanding’ judgement in all areas and we are working tirelessly with staff, students, parents, the Academies Enterprise Trust and the Academy Council members to ensure we achieve our vision of turning Kingswood Academy into the national beacon of educational excellence that this community deserves.