Ofsted inspectors praise standards at Coventry’s new £38 million academy

Staff and students at a newly rebuilt Coventry academy have another reason to celebrate after impressed Ofsted inspectors improved its grade to ‘Good’ after a recent visit.

West Coventry Academy, in Tile Hill Lane, opened the doors of its £38 million state-of-the-art new building in September, after a two-year rebuild.

And just weeks later a team of inspectors from Ofsted arrived at the school, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP).

Following the inspection, which was carried out on September 20 and 21, the inspectors declared the overall effectiveness of the academy ‘Good’ – praising the quality of education, the behaviour of students, its leadership and its sixth formers.

The Ofsted report, which was revealed this week, represents an improvement on the academy’s last inspection in October 2019, when it was graded as ‘requires improvement’.

Headteacher Ana Neofitou said:

“I am delighted that West Coventry Academy was judged to be Good in all areas following our recent Ofsted inspection.  The report details the significant improvements we have made since the school’s last inspection, particularly around the curriculum and outcomes.

“The inspectors also commented on how proud our students are to attend West Coventry Academy and how quickly they have settled into the new building.

“I too am very proud that inspectors noted the high expectations we have of all students and our commitment to building a school community based around our 4Rs.

“It recognises the hard work and dedication shown by the entire school to ensure our students are given the chance to reach their full potential – an achievement which I think is all the more impressive given the challenges presented by the rebuild.”

The Ofsted inspectors’ report praised the school for providing a wide range of opportunities to nurture and stretch pupils’ talents and interests and praised teachers’ subject knowledge.

It said: “The school has high expectations for all pupils. Leaders and staff take every opportunity to ensure pupils understand the school’s ‘4R’ values. Pupils are taught to be respectful, responsible, resilient and ready to learn. The school works closely with parents and carers to ensure that they understand the school’s values and know how to help their children succeed.”

Inspectors said students were ‘proud; to show off their new building, and singled out sixth formers as an ‘asset’ to the school.

It said: “They are excellent role models for younger pupils, clearly demonstrating the school’s values. They volunteer to lead fundraising activities and act as tutors in their specialist subjects to younger pupils.”

The report said that staff training had been a key factor in improvements at West Coventry Academy, as had the support it has received from the ATLP.

It said: “Since the last inspection, the new headteacher has rapidly built confidence among staff and pupils for her inclusive, ambitious vision. School leaders work closely with the trust to build a strong training programme for staff to help them improve outcomes for pupils.”

Inspectors were also impressed with how the academy worked to improve reading standards, writing: “The school has clear plans in place for the improvement of pupils’ reading. Pupils read regularly in form time. Weaker readers are identified, and receive additional support from the librarian.”

The report also praised West Coventry’s approach to student behaviour, describing social times as ‘calm and orderly’.

It explained: “Pupils are taught explicitly what good behaviour looks like, so that they have a clear understanding of how they should behave. Pupils know how their actions impact on others. Parents are fully involved in the behaviour process and work with the school to improve outcomes.”

ATLP CEO Richard Gill CBE said:

“My congratulations to everyone connected to West Coventry Academy. This report captures the excellent progress the school has made under Mrs Neofitou’s amazing leadership. My thanks to all staff for their commitment to our students ensuring children are at the heart of everything we do.”

Caption:

The newly rebuilt West Coventry Academy has seen its rating improved to ‘Good’ by Ofsted after a recent inspection.

Pic: Please credit Mark Averill/AVITMEDIA