Staff and pupils at Barnes Wallis celebrate continuing 'Good' Ofsted report

​The Barnes Wallis Academy, part of the David Ross Education Trust (DRET) school, is celebrating its latest Ofsted rating following an inspection in December 2022, which stated that the Tattershall school has maintained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating from 2017.

The report highlights that this is a school where “leaders and staff want the best for pupils and are determined that they will succeed”, and that the school’s curriculum is "well planned”, with lessons following the curriculum plan so that all pupils can make good progress and as a result, “pupils achieve well".

Barnes Wallis was described as a “harmonious community” where bullying is rare, and pupils say that leaders deal with any incidents well.

All pupils make ‘good progress’ and ‘achieve well’ because lessons follow the curriculum plan and teachers also adapt lessons with pupils receiving extra support where necessary.

The report also notes that the school has prioritised reading, with pupils reading a selection of classic novels together each day and receiving additional support if they fall behind.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported, according to the report, and teachers and support staff know the right strategies to use for the pupils in their class.

Pupils say that they feel safe in school, who to talk to if they have a concern, and learn how to recognise potential risks including when online.

Leaders make sure that pupils can take part in a wide range of after-school activities, including sports, music productions and charitable work.

The school’s personal development programme is well planned and pupils learn important life skills as well as support to choose their next steps in education.

In order to improve, the Ofsted report also said that there were some “inconsistencies in the implementation of the curriculum in some lessons” and that leaders should ensure that the planned curriculum is delivered effectively in all lessons so that pupils can remember and apply what they have been taught, as well as developing strategies to engage with parents and carers so that they understand the work of the school.

Alastair O’Connor, Executive Principal at The Barnes Wallis Academy, said: “I am delighted that this report reflected the hard work and commitment of all our staff here, as well as our pupils and the whole school community.

“At The Barnes Wallis Academy, we remain committed to providing a world-class education in a rich and exciting learning environment.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work alongside our pupils, parents and staff to ensure that we build on all of our successes”.Mark Neild, Director of Secondary Education at the David Ross Education Trust, said: “Congratulations to The Barnes Wallis Academy and well done to all our staff and pupils - you should all be proud of this success. I am very grateful to both Alastair O’Connor, Executive Principal, and Charlotte Dunsford, Head of School, for their dedication to upholding such high standards.

“I am very pleased to see so many positive comments reflected in this report and I look forward to supporting the school in their continued mission to make sure all pupils achieve their very best.”