April 15, 2016 11.51 am This story is over 95 months old

“Change in culture” at Lincoln secondary school praised by inspectors

The headteacher of a Lincoln academy has been commended by inspectors for changing the culture of the school and encouraging staff and pupils to buy into her vision. Ofsted inspectors conducted a short visit to the Lincoln Castle Academy on March 2, ranking the school once again as ‘good’. Inspectors heaped praise on headteacher Louise…
Lincoln Castle Academy off Riseholme Road. | Photo: Google Street View

The headteacher of a Lincoln academy has been commended by inspectors for changing the culture of the school and encouraging staff and pupils to buy into her vision.

Ofsted inspectors conducted a short visit to the Lincoln Castle Academy on March 2, ranking the school once again as ‘good’.

Inspectors heaped praise on headteacher Louise Laming for her values, noting that more parents are now choosing the academy as their first-choice secondary school.

The report said that the restructuring of the senior leadership team had been a success, and that a positive ‘can-do’ attitude was displayed by leading members of staff.

Assessment at the school has improved, as has the achievement of pupils in underperforming subject areas.

School governors were also praised for their ability to hold the senior leadership to account, and the school was said to display an outward-facing attitude, with the transition arrangements between Year 6 and Year 7 much improved.

For the academy to become outstanding, inspectors said that the improvements in the identification of pupils requiring special educational needs should be made more accurate, and that appropriate intervention is in place for those students.

Jayne Ashman, Her Majesty’s Inspector, who conducted the inspection, said in a letter to the headteacher: “You have skilfully overcome significant challenges.

“You told me that the most important thing was ‘doing the right thing for our academy’. You recognise that within the community, the school has a positive reputation for the care, support and guidance of pupils.

“You understand well the remaining challenges that are still to be faced and have rigorous plans in place to tackle these.”

Louise Laming, headteacher at Lincoln Castle Academy, said: “I am fortunate to have talented and dedicated staff, determined to do their best for the students in our care.

“We welcome this report which endorses the work of the entire team who continually go ‘over and above’ to enable students to be their very best.

“Staff have worked hard to implement a vision for the academy that ensures an excellent standard of education for all.”