Ofsted inspectors visited this school in Washington and issued the following verdict on what they saw
Four areas were judged to be at a strong standard, with two areas at the expected standard
Biddick Academy headteacher Kate Morris said she’s “delighted” with the school’s latest Ofsted report and thanked her staff who “go above and beyond everyday” for the pupils at the school.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
Biddick Academy was deemed to be at the expected standard in achievement, and curriculum and teaching and at a strong standard in attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
Inspectors were fulsome in their praise of pupil’s behaviour and improvements in attendance.
They said: “School leaders’ actions have significantly improved attendance and pupils now come to school more regularly. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged have also seen big improvements in their attendance.
“Pupils’ behaviour in school is calm and respectful and they enjoy learning and rarely experience any disruption to lessons.”
Lead inspector Chris Carr also praised the inclusive ethos of the school and the holistic development of pupils.
He said: “Leaders have built a culture of inclusion and have removed barriers that might stop pupils from learning well.
“For example, they offer nurture groups and carefully crafted therapeutic support. They also provide targeted check‑ins for pupils who are vulnerable. Leaders use additional funding wisely and this has helped improve attendance, behaviour and learning for disadvantaged pupils.
“Leaders have created a highly effective personal development programme that runs through daily life in the school. The school offers a wide range of clubs and experiences. Pupils enjoy many opportunities such as rowing, Warhammer, choir, table tennis and drama.”
Responding to the report, headteacher Kate Morris said: “I’m delighted at the fantastic outcome of our Ofsted inspection, which highlights the high quality education that students at Biddick Academy experience every day.
“Inspectors' glowing feedback is particularly meaningful for staff, who work tirelessly to provide children here with the highest standard of education.
"I was so pleased to read that inspectors saw that children genuinely enjoy their work and are proud to come to school. Along with the high quality teaching they observed, and a culture of ambition and self belief, we really could not ask for more.
"Biddick Academy continues to go from strength to strength and since joining the North East Learning Trust we’ve been able to share and learn alongside a wider family of schools.
“I'd like to thank every member of staff who goes above and beyond every day and our students who continue to rise to meet our high expectations, and parents and carers who support us and their children to do their very best."
The report identified pupils “achieve broadly in line with national averages” and that “disadvantaged pupils increasingly attain well”.
Inspectors also highlighted literacy has been made a priority at the school and that leaders are “implementing a new broad and ambitious curriculum” with teachers following “plans that build detailed knowledge in a sensible order”.
They added: “This is having notable impact, and more pupils are now making positive progress.”
Mr Carr also highlighted improvements at the school since joining the North East Learning Trust and how “school leaders have brought about rapid and lasting improvement”.