Ernulf Academy is a ‘Good’ school across all categories, for the first time ever

++ St Neots students are “safe, happy and well looked after” says Ofsted ++ 

++ Lessons are “calm and focused” with behaviour at school “positive” ++

 For the first time in the school’s history , Ernulf Academy in St Neots has been graded ‘good’ across all areas by Ofsted inspectors. At their last inspection two years ago, the school was found to be ‘requires improvement’, with Astrea pledging the school meet an expected ‘good’ grade by the next inspection date. In January, the Ofsted inspectorate report says the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management are ‘good’ across the board.

During a two day inspection, the team described students as “safe, happy and well looked after”, who settle into school positively, “make new friends and enjoy their lessons.” Older students, observed inspectors are “positive about the improvements” made to their school, with all pupils enjoying the “increased number of enrichment activities” enabling pupils to learn new skills, explore interests and joining clubs including sports, music, art, maths and paranormal club, for example. Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “well supported” with adaptations in class, or for those who need additional support, they “receive targeted help from well-trained staff”.

The improvements to the curriculum at Ernulf, are highlighted in the report as “ambitious for all”, and designed in such a way that it “builds on pupils’ prior learning”. Teachers deliver the revised curriculum well and give their class “clear guidance and actions to take to improve their work.” Students “appreciate the increased challenge” of this “expertly designed” curriculum and “work hard and grapple with tricky concepts, which are taught well.” Inspectors highlight that students are “proud of what they know and are keen to achieve well”. The ‘Astrea Reads’ programme is highlighted, where students read “an ambitious book” and “read aloud regularly to enhance their oracy skills.”

Inspectors noted of the lessons they observed, most students “behave well” and follow the rules “consistently”, describing students as “attentive and listen respectfully to their teacher.” Lessons are “calm and focused” with students able to “engage fully with their learning”. The school supports a small minority of students who struggle to attend regularly, “helping them to feel included and supported.”

Thomas Fisher, interim principal at Ernulf Academy said:

“I am absolutely delighted to share this fantastic report by Ofsted. I would like to thank everyone at Ernulf Academy for ensuring that for the first time in its history, students and their families know that Ernulf is a ‘good’ school, in every category.

However, this is just the first step on a journey to turn Ernulf into one of the best schools in the country. We will take a moment to celebrate today what has been achieved, before pressing on with our mission. We want to give our community the school it deserves.”

Rowena Hackwood, CEO, Astrea Academy Trust said: 

“Many congratulations to Thomas and his whole staff team, but special congratulations to the students of Ernulf for this achievement.  I hope they can continue to take pride in the school community they are building.

I am exceptionally proud to lead a trust where all of our schools are now rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted. This is through the hard work of all our staff, students and the network of volunteers who give up their time to contribute to school life.

Our mission is to ensure our young people get a brilliant education and go on to learn, thrive and lead successful lives.”

The report highlights Ernulf’s ambition to build the confidence of their young people and prepare them for next steps through their personal development programme. Students access regular trips to broaden their “understanding of the world” and career opportunities “which inspire their ambitions”.