Dear Parents and Carers
I am delighted to inform you that the final Ofsted inspection report from our two-day section 8 inspection on 24 February 2022 to 25 February 2022 accompanies this covering letter. The report will also be accessible via the school website today and published on the official Ofsted report website, eight working days from today’s date.
The purpose of a section 8 inspection is to gauge whether a school continues to be ‘good’ as indicated in our previous report in February 2017, or to ascertain whether there is evidence to suggest a school is above or below its original grading.
It gives me great pleasure to share that Her Majesty’s Inspector and team believed there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if a section 5 inspection were to be conducted. Therefore, Wilmington Academy will receive a section 5 inspection; usually this is within one to two years of the date of the section 8 inspection.
I am delighted that the hard work undertaken by the Wilmington Academy staff and Trust community has been recognised, including the comments regarding our work on cultural diversity, high standards and expectations, the effective systems in place, the reflective and driven nature of leaders/governors, commitment of the pupils and the impact of the quality of education underpinned by the International Baccalaureate characteristics and programmes.
The report itself is very detailed and highlights the many elements of effective provision at Wilmington Academy as well as the next steps needed to take the academy forward. What is very satisfying is that the next steps identified were already within our development plan prior to this inspection and the associated adaptations are being implemented.
Please take the time to read the inspection report in full as it evidences an academy that is not only good, but one that continuously strives to improve and excel.
To summarise:
This is an excellent report, particularly at a time when the benchmark for ‘Good’ is at the highest level it has ever been and we have been acknowledged as potentially having exceeded this. The Ofsted inspection was thorough, robust and professionally rigorous. The leadership team and I were open and transparent around all aspects of school life and had much evidence to support the inspection process.
I am particularly pleased that Ofsted recognised the journey of improvements made at Wilmington Academy over the past five years and I would like to thank the parents/carers who have supported the academy during this time. Once again, may I thank all those involved in the inspection itself, especially the staff, Leigh Academies Trust, governors and the students who shone during the inspection process and continue to make a positive contribution to academy life.
Yours sincerely
Mr M Gore
Principal
