Bournemouth: Livingstone Academy 'good', says Ofsted

Government inspectors visited Livingstone Academy in Lansdowne in mid-April and rated the school as ‘good’ overall and in its quality of education. 

Four of the five key inspection areas – including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision – were all marked as outstanding. 

Read more: VR headsets and laptops for all pupils: Inside Bournemouth's new school

Officially opening last September, the school is the brainchild of Aspirations Academies Trust and Sir Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop. 

It has a strong focus on STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) for its 597 aged between four and 19, as well as an emphasis on innovation and employability.

 Livingstone Academy (Image: Daily Echo)

Inspectors said: “The school has very high aspiration for what pupils can achieve. All aspects of school life support pupils’ character and wider development.  

“Staff nurture pupils and know them well. Consequently, pupils flourish.” 

Pupils with special needs or who are disadvantaged in life also achieve well, according to Ofsted. 

It added: “Teachers are passionate and knowledgeable. They explain new learning clearly and enthusiastically. 

“However, sometimes they do not check that all pupils have fully understood new learning before moving on.  

“As a result, some pupils do not build their knowledge securely. Staff support pupils with SEND well and those for whom English is an additional language. Consequently, these pupils learn the ambitious curriculum as their peers.” 

Executive principal Natasha Ullah said she is thrilled the school’s “ambitious and vibrant curriculum”  has been commended, adding the “passionate” staff and leaders work hard to ensure pupils flourish. 

Principal Loren Tharme added: “We are delighted with this report which reflects the hard work, pride and dedication our staff and pupils demonstrate on a daily basis.  

“Our school community is driven by the guiding principles of self-worth, engagement and purpose and the inspectors witnessed them in action during their visit, noting that ‘pupils flourish’.  

“We couldn’t be happier or more proud of this very first Ofsted assessment and look forward to building on it to raise the aspirations, progress and achievement of every child.” 

Speaking on behalf of Aspirations Academies Trust, Dr Jeffery Quaye OBE said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the staff, pupils, and governors of Livingstone Academy.  

“I know how hard staff work to provide the highest standard of education to all pupils and I am elated that Ofsted recognises that excellence permeates all aspects of the school's work.  

“This is an exceptional and most welcome report.”