Houghton school gets glowing report from inspectors '“ two years after being ordered to improve

Two years ago education watchdogs said Kepier in Houghton required improvement.

However, after a recent inspection, the Dairy Lane school has been rated as good overall with some outstanding features.

Nicky Cooper, principal of the academy, said: “I am delighted that we have received such positive recognition from Ofsted. 

“This community deserves the very best education and I am determined to ensure we provide it. Ofsted were also keen to point out Kepier will be outstanding in the near future. 

“The staff here are incredible and I thank them all for their dedication, determination and passion.”

Delighted by the accolade given to the school, the chairman of governors, Ken Tonge, said: “This is a highly-justified reward for the hard work and dedication of the staff.  This is a happy school which serves its learners well and it is reassuring to know that inspectors recognise this.

In their report inspectors praised the “outstanding” leadership of the principal and the senior team and said teaching had improved substantially and exam results had risen sharply.

They also said the school’s systems for tracking pupil progress are also outstanding.

The inspection team was keen to recognise the school’s extra-curricular provision, particularly in sport and music.

They said: “Parents and pupils are very positive about the quality of education that the academy provides.”