Leaders celebrate strong standards at Leeds academy where 'pupils achieve highly' - Ofsted

Leaders at an academy in Leeds are celebrating after a successful Ofsted inspection.

Abbey Grange CofE Academy, located on Butcher Hill, West Park, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in six out of the seven categories during a May 2026 inspection.

The school received a ‘Strong standard’ rating for achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing.

Previously rated as Good under the old grading system during a 2022 inspection, the school received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the category of Post 16 provision.

“Pupils achieve highly at this school,” the education watchdog said. “This is because they build strong foundations in reading, vocabulary and subject knowledge from the moment they join. They make rapid progress through a well‑sequenced curriculum and talk confidently about what they know and how ideas connect.

“They benefit from a well‑planned and ambitious curriculum that gives them strong foundations for future learning. Leaders think carefully about what pupils should learn and when, and they work closely with subject teams to make sure knowledge builds in clear steps.”

Pupils attend regularly because leaders place great importance on helping every child be in school and ready to learn, according to the report. The attendance team works with care and precision to remove barriers for pupils who find attendance harder.

Behaviour and relationships were also praised, with inspectors praising its for being “calm and respectful.” Staff apply behaviour systems with consistency, and pupils understand the high expectations set for them. As a result, it is unusual for pupils to require high-level sanctions.

Staff use a detailed system to spot any pupil who may need extra help, including disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), pupils known to social care and others who may face challenges.

Inspectors found that disadvantaged pupils achieve particularly well, with progress scores well above their peers nationally, and concluded that students leave the school “well prepared for their next steps”, with careers education identified as “a significant strength.”

They added: “Leaders provide clear direction to the sixth-form. They know the strengths of the provision and are open about the areas that still need to improve, particularly achievement in some subjects. They have clear plans in place and are working closely with middle leaders to strengthen teaching, assessment and the overall culture of learning at post‑16.

“Achievement in the sixth form is improving but not yet as strong as at key stage 4. Leaders track progress carefully and have introduced new approaches to teaching, literacy and oracy to help students secure the knowledge they need for their courses.”

Leaders have a clear vision that all children should flourish at Abbey Grange, according to the report. They provide clear, ambitious and highly effective direction to ensure this vision is realised, and act in pupils’ best interests.

Pupils benefit from a personal development programme that is thoughtful, ambitious and woven into daily school life. Leaders have a clear vision for helping pupils grow in character, confidence and responsibility.

Teaching at the school is “consistent and purposeful.” Staff use the Abbey Learning Cycle to structure learning and give pupils time to practise, discuss and apply new ideas. Teachers know their subjects well and use modelling, scaffolding and questioning to help pupils secure key concepts.

Mrs Dawn Morgan, Principal at Abbey Grange CofE Academy, said: “This outcome reflects the dedication and care of our entire school community. Our students and their pride in our school was evident in every interaction with Inspectors.

“A strong outcome in 6 of the 7 inspection areas is testament to our staff working tirelessly to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. Our Christian vision genuinely underpins everything we do, enabling all to flourish.

“It is an absolute privilege to be leading this school as the new Principal and I look forward to working to secure an even brighter future on the back of this report.”