The Bushey Academy improves Ofsted rating to 'good'

Andrew Hemmings lauded the efforts of teachers and students after the school went from a"Satisfactory" to "Good" rating following its latest inspection last month.

Ofsted inspectors visited the London Road academy, which teaches pupils aged between 11 and 18, and commended saying: "From their low starting points, students make good progress."

They also praised teachers for having “high expectations” and being “ambitious” for students.

The school, which has 787 pupils, was awarded "Good" marks in all four Ofsted categories, which include the achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

Andrew Hemmings, who has been headteacher since 2009, explained that a great deal of hard work had gone into lifting the school’s performance.

He said: "The dedication and commitment of all the staff, the positive attitudes, self-belief and high expectations of students, the support of parents and the work of the governing body all combine to make a highly effective and sought after school.

"This is a high-achieving, local school for local children in which the community clearly has confidence, and I believe this inspection validates that confidence."

The inspection involved the observation of 34 lessons, five of which were observed jointly with senior leaders.

The report said: "Students started the academy with skills in reading, writing and maths which are well below the national average. By the end of Year 11, the proportion of students achieving five GCSE passes at grades A* to C, including English and maths, is now in line with the national average."

Furthermore, it was noted that students have positive attitudes to their learning, and relationships with staff are good.

The report said: "Students develop in confidence through frequent opportunities to work collaboratively, either by checking and advising each other’s learning, or a part of a team."

Under new leadership in the sixth form, students’ achievement is improving, particularly at AS-level with the vast majority of Year 13 students leaving the academy to continue their learning on university courses.

The Bushey Academy headteacher, Andrew Hemmings.

The report said for the school to improve further they need to improve attendance by ensuring that students fully understand the link between regular attendance and good achievement.

In a letter informing parents of the Ofsted report, Mr Hemmings thanked them for their ongoing support and explained that "even from this position of strength, we will continue to strive for ever higher standards of excellence".