Newark Academy’s positive progress praised by Ofsted inspectors
An academy’s latest Ofsted inspection has revealed “significant improvement” — with inspectors praising the school’s sense of community and care for pupils.
In 2019 Newark Academy, part of Nova Education Trust, was rated ‘good’ overall, and has recently been re-inspected to ensure it is continuing to operate at this level.
Inspectors found "significant improvement across all areas", and had it been a full inspection, the academy would have been judged ‘outstanding' in every category.
Inma Peňa, head of Newark Academy, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this report. It reflects the hard work, dedication and collaborative spirit of our entire school community of students, staff and families. Our 'GREAT' values are central to our ethos and it's wonderful to see this being acknowledged and celebrated.
“Our proudest moment over the two days was to witness students seeking out opportunities to speak positively to inspectors about their school and the high quality of pastoral care, academic and enrichment opportunities they received.”
Ofsted's report highlighted the "strong sense of community" at the London Road school, where pupils and staff "genuinely care for one another."
It also found the school's ‘GREAT' values — Gratitude, Responsibility, Excellence, Aspiration and Tenacity — were deeply embedded, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support where pupils are happy, enjoy learning, and achieve highly, feel safe, and develop trusting relationships with staff.
The school was particularly proud of the quality of teaching acknowledged throughout the report.
Ofsted states: “Pupils learn very effectively because of teachers’ careful explanations, followed by opportunities to practise and apply their knowledge. Teachers also have excellent subject knowledge. They check pupils’ understanding effectively and expertly resolve any errors or misconceptions that may arise.”
The academy’s inclusivity and SEND provision was also praised, with inspectors finding pupils’ needs were accurately identified and adaptations to activities well-planned to allow everyone to participate in the curriculum.
Newark Academy was also said to have high attendance, with staff “meticulous” in following up concerns, working closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure pupil’s mental health and wellbeing.
Beyond the classroom, pupils enthusiastically participate in an enriching extracurricular programme including performing arts, sports, and reading.
Ashfaq Rahman, chief executive of Nova Education Trust, added: “This significantly improved rating, surpassing our previous 'Good' outcome, is a clear indication of the Newark Academy's commitment to excellence and its nurturing learning environment. Being custodians of a school in Newark, that has been recognised for delivering 'Outstanding’ education, was always the longer-term goal.
“In 2016 when the Trust took the school on, Newark Academy was one of the lowest-performing schools, not just in the area but also in the region. On most measures it is now recognised as being one the highest-performing schools and the school continues to be popular and hugely oversubscribed.
“I extend my sincere thanks to Inma Peňa, the exceptional staff and pupils, our dedicated governors and trustees, past and present, and our supportive parents and carers. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in this outstanding achievement. We are committed to ensuring every pupil at The Newark Academy receives a transformational education, preparing them for an ever-changing world.”
