Ofsted

November 2022

Dear Parents and Carers

Ofsted Inspection

We are delighted to share with you the fantastic news that David Nieper Academy has now been graded Good in all areas of the Ofsted inspection framework. This is a wonderful accolade recognising the tremendous hard work and efforts of all the pupils, staff, Governors and Trustees since our opening as David Nieper Academy in September 2016, along with recognition of the fantastic support given by all the parents and the local community who have supported school on its recent journey.

Due to the progress since our last inspection, improved exam results and growing number of pupils wanting to join the academy in Year 7 and the Sixth Form, our internal assessment was that we were a good school. We were therefore very much looking forward to Ofsted visiting so that we could show off all the developments, progress and hard work over the last six years and have the external validation of our judgements.

We are very proud that the inspection found that:

“Pupils are happy and proud to attend this school. The school’s ethos of ‘aspire, endeavour, succeed’ shines through in all corners of the school. It is a warm, welcoming and professional community. Pupils feel safe and well looked after. Everyone can be themselves.”

“Pupils can discover their talents and skills through lessons and extra-curricular activities. They have enterprise lessons and learn ‘employability attributes’. They can choose from over fifty clubs, including archaeology club, samba band and sports clubs. Leaders make sure that all pupils can go to London. Pupils learn to celebrate their home community and to take advantage of the possibilities that lie beyond.”

“Leaders have high ambition for every pupil. They are also ambitious for the community they serve. Leaders and staff work with passion and determination. They have focused on getting the curriculum right for their pupils. They have created conditions for effective learning through strong pastoral care and clear routines.”

“Pupils’ learning goes beyond the formal curriculum. They have opportunities to be leaders and to contribute to the school. Careers education is a strength. Leaders focus on pupils having the knowledge and skills to thrive in their work lives. Pupils learn ‘employability attributes.’ They take part in ‘enterprise week’ and ‘employer partner challenges.’ There is a well-designed programme for personal, social, health and citizenship education (PSHCE).”

The Ofsted inspectors agreed that the areas we had identified for continued work and improvement were the right ones. We are very much looking forward to continuing our work so that we go from strength to strength.

We were also very pleased to see such strong parental support for the work of the academy, with many parents taking the time to complete the Ofsted questionnaire. Thank you.

• 92% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their children were happy at the school.
• 94% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their children were safe at the school.
• 90% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their children do well at the school.
• 99% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their children can take part in clubs and activities
• 92% of parents would recommend this school to other parents

I am delighted that since opening as David Nieper Academy we are now transformed into the wonderful and caring learning community that it now is. I wish to thank Mr Christopher Nieper, and all of our Trustees and Governors, for their vision and constant support and challenge. I am immensely grateful for the support, hard work and commitment of my colleagues who have made this journey possible. I am also very grateful to you, our parents and carers. Thank you for trusting us to create the school that your children deserve. Lastly to the pupils, well done on displaying our motto of ‘Aspire, Endeavour and Succeed’, you are amazing!

The full report is attached below.