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Following an Ofsted inspection in February, Victoria Academy has been graded as Outstanding in all areas. This is a significant improvement on the previous inspection grade of Good which was under the older framework. Ofsted stated that the “turnaround has been extraordinary” at Victoria Academy, a school which has “very high expectations of academic achievement”.

The inspectors met with pupils, staff, senior leaders, trustees and governors during their two-day visit to the school and also took parent feedback into consideration when deciding their final outcome judgement. The report published today recognises that Victoria Academy is a “calm, happy and harmonious place where pupils feel safe” and where children are “immensely proud of their school”.

When reflecting on the curriculum, Ofsted inspectors noted that this was impressive and “meticulously designed”. They commented that staff have very strong subject knowledge and are extremely well-equipped to design a curriculum that allows pupils to thrive and learn. The report states that “pupils achieve exceptionally well in all subjects”. They spent time in classrooms with the pupils, noting that “behaviour is exemplary” and that pupils “do not disturb lessons” and “go above and beyond to support their classmates”.

The inspectors noted that the pupils at Victoria Academy “are successful, resilient, creative and happy” and “value the expert support and encouragement” they receive from schoolteachers which leads to “exceptional” personal development. The inspectors ended their report by stating that “there is a culture of high expectation, trust and support in the school”.

Janine Pierce, Executive Headteacher of both Victoria Academy and Yarlside Academy and Primary Lead for Furness Education Trust said, “We are incredibly proud of the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection which has been achieved due to the continued hard work and effort of the dedicated Victoria Academy staff. I am so pleased that the inspectors recognised that our pupil’s personal development is exceptional and behaviour exemplary. We have worked extremely hard to ensure that our pupils have access to an ambitious curriculum, high-quality extra-curricular activities and within an environment with excellent resources and facilities.’’

Simon Laheney, Chief Executive Officer of Furness Education Trust said, “We are delighted that the dedication and hard work that Mrs Pierce and the team at Victoria Academy put in day in and day out for their school has been recognised by Ofsted and provided them with their Outstanding grading. Mrs Pierce’s school improvement expertise has shone through, and working alongside the full staff team at Victoria Academy has led to, in Ofsted’s words, an extraordinary turnaround. The opportunities offered, the curriculum taught, and the expectations held are all part of why Victoria Academy is an outstanding school and has been recognised as such. We are incredibly proud of Victoria Academy and of the school improvement offer we have here at Furness Education Trust”.