Ofsted report May 2025
Following an ungraded visit in May 2025, Ofsted inspectors have heaped praise on the “exceptional education” students receive at The Elms Academy, where they “enjoy” coming to school and take “pride” in their community.
"Pupils in this school receive an exceptional education. The values of integrity, ambition and determination are central to the culture here. The school has developed a caring, friendly, and highly aspirational ethos. The school has very high expectations for all pupils. As a result, pupils achieve extremely well and are prepared for the next stage of their education."
Ofsted inspectors attended the school in May for a routine, ungraded visit – their first to the school since they judged it to be ‘Good’ across all categories in 2020.
Following the visit, the inspectors stated that there have been “significant” improvements on all areas since the school’s last inspection, providing glowing feedback on everything from the “ambitious curriculum” to the “exceptional” behaviour of students.
What is an ungraded inspection?
An ungraded Ofsted inspection, also known as a Section 8 inspection, is a type of inspection carried out on schools that were previously judged as "good" or "outstanding". These inspections aim to check if the school has maintained its previous standards and if safeguarding is effective. Unlike graded inspections, ungraded inspections do not result in new overall effectiveness or key judgements.
There are 4 possible outcomes for an ungraded inspection. The Elms Academy received Outcome 2.
Outcome 2 – evidence gathered during this inspection suggests that the school’s work may have improved significantly across all areas since the previous inspection.
This will mean, if a graded inspection took place:
*at least one key or provision judgement would be higher
*none would be lower
*all would be outstanding
Please go to the link below to download the report in full.