Bournemouth academy improving after three negative Ofsted reports

Oak Academy, on Duck Lane in Bournemouth, have been praised in its efforts to improve in a recent monitoring inspection by Ofsted.

The visit follows three consecutive inspections since 2016 where the academy was rated as ‘requires improvement’.

Inspectors returned to Oak Academy on July 19, where they found new leadership that ‘clearly aligns with the school’s improvement priorities’.

Staff are more ambitious for pupils and have higher expectations of what they can do, which is being reflected in students’ work.

Inspectors said in the report: “You have had a sharp focus on the development of the quality of education this year.

“Leaders have provided support to new and established staff to implement the curriculum more effectively so that pupils know and remember more.”

Many pupils arrive at the school with reading levels below their age but inspectors found that staff are now prioritising the subject more.

In the academy’s previous report, in May 2022, pupils were seen to use derogatory language with each other however, Ofsted’s recent visit showed positive work to eliminate this.

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Principal Hayley Richley said: "I am delighted that the inspector recognised the significant and sustained progress the academy has made across all areas since our last graded inspection.

“The leadership team already have clear plans in place to ensure that the curriculum is implemented effectively in all subjects, for all pupils, to ensure a ‘Good’ rating at our next inspection.”

She added that senior leaders are working ‘diligently’ to strengthen the quality of education and building an ‘aspirational culture’.

The school, which is part of the Ambitions Academies Trust (AAT), said that governance and leaders within the trust are continuing to ensure all students receive a ‘well-rounded education’.

At the time of its last inspection in 2022, there were 434 pupils between the ages of 11 and 16.

Director of Secondary Education at AAT, Jon Webb said: “Following the OFSTED monitoring visit undertaken at the end of the last academic year, we are pleased that the views of the inspector about the progress Oak Academy is making aligns with our own.”