Ofsted has said that senior leaders, governors and the Brooke Weston Trust are taking ‘effective action’ to make improvements so that Kettering Science Academy can attain a ‘good’ inspection grading.

The report, following a one day monitoring visit, said that Associate Principal Tony Segalini and senior leaders have a ‘clear, uncompromising vision about improving the quality of education’ and are ‘ambitious for pupils and what they can achieve.’ This aim is shared by staff who are ‘supportive, enthusiastic and want the school to improve.’ Students ‘talk eloquently about their aspirations and appreciate teachers’ work to help them achieve their potential.’

Ofsted’s findings focus on leadership, teaching, the Sixth Form and students’ views of the school. It says that the Brooke Weston Trust has ‘provided effective support in improving all aspects of the school’. Governors ‘are well supported by the Trust’ and have ‘improved the effectiveness of their work to challenge school leaders.’

The restructured leadership team has been strengthened by the appointment of Executive Principal Anne Hill, and a further five assistant principals and one vice principal. The report said that ‘Leaders’ evaluations of the school’s strengths are detailed and accurate’ and plans for school improvements are ‘appropriately focused’ with ‘a consistent approach’ to raising expectations of classroom practice.

The report notes: ‘With much stronger lines of communication and accountability at all levels, leaders’ work to improve the quality of education is having a positive impact on pupils’ outcomes’ and a ‘rigorous programme’ of monitoring has led to improvements, including ‘sustained progress’ for current year 11 students, notably in mathematics.

Leaders closely monitor the quality of the Sixth Form, and there is a predicted improvement in attainment, as well as targeted support and plans to enhance the post-16 provision, increasing the range of vocational courses on offer.

Ofsted noted that: ‘Positive, respectful relationships between adults and pupils mean that pupils readily seek help and guidance when necessary’ and ‘subject leaders work closely with teachers to plan focused support for any pupils who are underachieving’. In addition ‘most pupils enjoy coming to school’ and attendance ‘remains strong’.  

The school has also introduced strategies to encourage more parents to engage in their children’s learning through training, transition events and parent forums.

The input of the Brooke Weston Trust in securing additional leaders, offering support through its Directors of Subject and giving specific training to governors, middle leaders and for targeted groups  was also noted by Inspector Rachel Tordoff, after her one-day monitoring visit in December.

Associate Principal Tony Segalini said: ‘Kettering Science Academy is a vibrant and evolving learning environment and we, as a leadership team, are determined to provide a first class education for all students and fulfil our mission of each child being the best they can be.’

Executive Principal Anne Hill said: ‘This report is an accurate reflection of our current position and shows the progress we have made so far while acknowledging our collective determination to continue towards a good grading.’

Brooke Weston Trust CEO, Dr Andrew Campbell said: ‘This is a positive report that shows that interventions put into place so far, at both Trust and school level are yielding sustained and rapid results. I’d like to thank Anne and Tony for their leadership, professionalism and commitment to drive up outcomes at the school.’

To read the report following the monitoring visit please click here