Dear Parents
We were delighted to welcome Ofsted on 28th-29th April 2015 to view the superb work that is going on within the Academy and meet the students.
As you will read, the enclosed report is extremely positive about many of the things going on at the Academy and it also recognises the work that has been done in the last year.
We were delighted to have had such a strong team from Ofsted including a Her Majesty’s Inspector for Education, two serving heads and two nationally regarded leaders in their fields. Their report recognises work being undertaken in the Academy but also provides clear focus for future actions. Myself and all the staff at the Academy were already aware of our strengths and areas for improvement, and the visit could not have come at a better time to validate that we are on the right path in our drive for further improvement. We are going to be supported in our endeavours by our new Executive Principal, Dr Shelagh Potter, and a number of new staff joining us from outstanding schools in the region. The Inspector’s made the following comments that I would like to bring to your attention, which demonstrate this commitment to all of our students.
The Principal knows the Academy well and recognises its strengths and areas for development. Leadership has been reinforced by new appointments to drive further improvements and a thriving new team is now in place.
The Academy provides strong support for new senior and middle leaders to enable them to make a difference quickly.
North Liverpool Academy is a first rate institution, which is dedicated to securing the very best outcomes for all of the students in our care. We recognise our current position but with the support of our sponsor, The Northern Schools Trust it is our determination to be able to demonstrate and be judged good and outstanding in all areas of our provision.
As you will read below, there are also areas where we need to work with you to further ensure our shared success. As parents and guardians, you are a vital part of our school community, and your past support has always been valued. We need to redouble our efforts in a number of key areas, and one of the most pressing being that of attendance. It is very clear that with high attendance levels, everyone is able to achieve their very best. We have 190 days in a school year, and we need every single one to count to towards the education of our students as we are preparing them for a highly competitive world of work.
We know our students are keen to learn, and this was highlighted by the Ofsted Inspectors in the following comment:
The vast majority of students are keen to learn and participate in the many revision sessions and wider cultural educational experiences offered by the Academy
In addition, we will be looking at how we share information particularly for sixth form students, to allow us to ensure everyone is making good progress in all of their learning in the school. Again, Inspectors singled out the contribution of Sixth-form students to the school.
Sixth-form students make a valuable contribution to the Academy community
This also shows that being at North Liverpool Academy is not just to gain the very best grades but, just as importantly it is to seize the opportunities for personal growth and the enrichment opportunities open to every student, ranging from the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to the Debating Club.
The pastoral programme is strong and prepares students well for life in modern Britain. The promotion of British values is a strength of the Academy.’
The house system provides strong pastoral support; students feel safe and have a sense of belonging to the Academy.
We have much to do in the Academy, and I know that with your continued engagement and support, we will achieve great successes for our students and community, of which we are all a part.
I would like to end by thanking you for your on-going support of the Academy and assuring you of the focus of everyone here on the best outcomes for students every day.
Yours sincerely
R.J. Stead
Principal