Ofsted

OFSTED VIEW: “PUPILS EXPERIENCE AN EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION AT HARRIS ACADEMY OCKENDON”

~ Academy judged Outstanding in all areas ~

~ Academy described as a “centre of true excellence” ~

Students and staff at Harris Academy Ockendon are celebrating after being judged Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted inspectors.

Following a two-day visit to the Essex secondary school in February, inspectors have given Harris Academy Ockendon a fantastic report in which they have highlighted many strengths of its provision. 

Beginning their report with ‘Pupils benefit hugely from attending this remarkable school’, the inspectors have praised the Academy’s ‘high-quality curriculum’, its ‘wide range of enrichment activities’ as well as the strength of its PSHE and Careers education.

Whilst the inspectors complimented the Academy’s leaders and teachers for their expertise and commitment, they were extremely impressed by the Academy’s students who were said to be ‘attentive’, to ‘work hard’ and ‘to take responsibility for their learning’.  The inspectors were also pleased by the way in which students support and mentor each other.

Recognising that students’ achievements are ‘very high’, the inspectors praised the standard of teaching and learning and found that there are robust systems in place to ensure no student ‘falls behind’ particularly those with SEND who ‘learn as well as their peers.’  The inspectors were particularly impressed that almost all students are entered for ‘the entire suite of GCSEs which make up the English Baccalaureate’ reflecting the Academy’s high academic standards. 

Inspectors also noticed that the Academy ‘goes far beyond the norm’ in developing students’ understanding of the wider world.  They cited the success of the Academy’s comprehensive careers programme and strong PSHE curriculum as helping students ‘understand what it means to be a citizen in modern Britain’.

Jo Rainey, Principal of Harris Academy Ockendon, said:

“We are thrilled with this report which is a fitting testament to how hard everyone has worked to provide our students with an ‘extraordinary education’.  At Harris Academy Ockendon, we have high aspirations for our students and are committed to giving them the very best educational opportunities that will enable them to achieve their goals.  I am incredibly proud we are able to offer these opportunities, but I am even more proud of our students’ positive attitudes, how they support each other and how much they grow and achieve in their educational journeys with us.  Whilst we are very pleased to have achieved this judgement, we remain highly ambitious and will continue to work hard to enhance the opportunities available to our students so that they all benefit from an exceptional education.”

To read the full report please click HERE.

To find out more about Ofsted, how they raise standards and improve lives, please click HERE to be taken to their website.