Magna Academy: 'We want to be the best school in Poole'

The new boldly designed black and yellow building stands proudly in Canford Heath and the pupils wear their new uniforms with pride. But the real change is the attitude and atmosphere within the school.

Pupils are left in doubt that new principle Richard Tutt has high expectations. He expects the school to improve continuously and he expects students to work hard to fulfil their potential.

“It’s all about having high expectations and putting systems in to support that and give students the belief that they can achieve,” he said.

“Previously there was a culture of low self-esteem from some students. I want this to be the best school in Poole and the results we got this year show we are well on the way.”

This summer, 58 per cent of students got five A* to C GCSEs including English and maths, which is expected to put Magna Academy in the top 15 per cent of schools nationally for progress.

Some 66 per cent of students got A* to C in maths and English, which the school believes puts them in the top two per cent nationally for progress.

Many students have attainment levels significantly below average upon starting at Magna but leave with above average results.

“I want us to be in the top one per cent for the progress our students make. We’ve moved substantially towards where we want to be,” he said.

To improve results, the school has introduced a Saturday academy and the school day has been extended until 4pm for year 10 and 11 pupils, with six lessons every day.

There is a clear set of school rules, a strict uniform policy and a transparent behaviour and reward system. Leadership opportunities are offered to children and attendance has increased to 95.1 per cent.

“The first thing we wanted was for students to be proud of coming to this school. Just the simple fact of wearing a smart uniform means they feel good about themselves.

“My senior team are very high profile, they’re in and out of lessons all the time to support staff. Students know they can’t get away with anything.”

The school expects to be over-subscribed by next September and is set to expand its sixth form to more than 150 pupils next year.

“Many students in Poole don’t leave with what they need to get into a sixth form,” he said. “We know here they can make rapid progress.

“We want parents to understand that this is a fantastic 21st century place to come and students will leave with a good set of qualifications that will set them up for what they want to do.”

Factfile 

Magna Academy, Ashdown Close, Poole, BH17 8RE

Telephone: 01202 604222

Mixed secondary academy and sixth form

Age range: 11-18

Number of children: 650

Latest Ofsted report: September 2013 (As Ashdown College of Technology)

Overall grade: Good.

The report said: “The school has improved dramatically since its previous inspection, as a result of strong leadership.

“Students’ achievement, including for those in the sixth form, has improved significantly to be good as a result of the marked improvements in the quality of teaching.

“The school has made huge improvements in students’ behaviour through strong leadership, raised expectations, excellent individual care and support and much better procedures that are used well by all teachers.”

Why we love our school

Adam Trant, who is in Year 11, said: “The teachers inspire you to be whatever you want to be and emphasise that by giving you so many opportunities.
There is a good bond between students and teachers now, you can speak to them about whatever you need to.”

Arron Parry, who is in Year 8, said: “There are lots of opportunities and responsibilities offered to students. I am on the student aspirations team which means we meet up with other schools and try and make the school a better place.”

Nicole Chee, who is in Year 8, said: “The teachers help and encourage you as you follow your dreams. We are told not to think we can’t do something but just that we can’t do it yet. The teachers tell you how you can improve and do better.”

Jacqueline Sanders teaches drama and English. She said: “Pupils now know our expectations and it’s made their learning much easier. They get that we are on their side and they appreciate it. Even more challenging pupils now want to learn.”

Paul Dallyn teaches PE and is head of the sixth form. He said: “The high expectations we have are having a huge impact. We expect the best and we’ve got systems in place to ensure that happens. The senior leadership team are also very visible – always in classrooms and corridors.”

Vicky Johnson, who has a son in Year 11, said: “It’s a completely different school to the school it was three years ago. Children take so much pride in their appearance and they are so positive. My son is happy to come to school and he’s well supported.”