Big turnaround for Bruntcliffe Academy

Pupils and teachers at Bruntcliffe Academy are celebrating the success of their first inspection by Ofsted following its conversion to an academy in September 2015.

Ofsted rated Bruntcliffe as ‘good’ with inspectors also rating Leadership, Teaching and Personal Development and Welfare as ‘outstanding’.

The school, once rated as ‘inadequate’, became part of the highly-successful GORSE Academies Trust and has since made huge strides.

Sir John Townsley, Chief Executive Officer of GORSE Academies Trust, said: “This report is very significant for our community.

“Prior to the Trust’s involvement, Bruntcliffe school was not the provider of choice and there is little doubt the school was heading for closure.

“The community trusted The GORSE Academies Trust to change the fate of the school and the Ofsted report cements in stone that Bruntcliffe Academy is now thriving.”

The report said: “The very strong leadership of the principal, and other leaders, has contributed to improving standards of education over time.

“This is a school where teachers, and pupils, believe only the best is good enough.”

Inspectors were highly impressed with the students at the school and added: “Pupils are very confident and self-assured learners. During the inspection, pupils were polite, courteous and welcoming of visitors.

“They behave in a mature manner and showed respect for each other.”

Bruntcliffe principal Adam Ryder said: “I am absolutely delighted that Ofsted have recognised the excellence of our work over the last two-and-a-half years.

“I am fortunate to lead a school where teachers provide students with inspirational lessons every day. This has resulted in our students becoming articulate and confident young people who have a desire to achieve at the highest level.

“I have no doubt that with the excellent support of colleagues from The GORSE Academies Trust that Bruntcliffe Academy will become one of the highest-achieving schools in the country within two years.”